Amanze ChinonyeThe atmosphere was electrified at The Welcome Center Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, as a renowned academic and writer, Professor Victor Anosa, unveiled his autobiography titled, “Destined for the Ivory Tower” in a launch event marked by intellectual dialogue, emotional reflection, and literary celebration.
The event drew an impressive audience of scholars, students, educationists, media professionals and business leaders.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn the book, Anosa, who retired as a Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, explores the multifaceted journey of academic pursuit in Nigeria, blending personal experience with broader commentary on education, ambition, and societal expectations.
Highlighting why he decided to write the autobiography, three important points came to light. The Octogenarian stated that between now and when he was growing up in his then rural town of Ojoto in Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, a lot of things have happened in the social, educational, political and economic realms of Eastern Nigeria in general, which he thought was necessary to be documented for posterity.
He said that with the book, younger generations can gain insights into the past, and also learn lessons from his experiences in education and social life, and be inspired to achieve greater heights.
“The lgbo and later Nigerian society I met between 1947 to now have changed so much that I felt it was necessary to record what I saw growing up in my hometown Ojoto, and later in the social, educational, political and economic realms of Eastern Nigeria in general that I needed to record them for posterity,” Anosa stated.
Secondly, while narrating how he struggled to overcome poor performance in academics at the basic education level, Anosa emphasized the need for self-awareness, strategic planning, and hard work by students, aimed at achieving maximum successes equitable to their God-given endowments. He mentioned how much he held on to the suffering of his parents to ensure he got a quality education and the sacrifice of his community that enabled him to complete his studies. Looking back, he expressed gratitude for the grace of being able to achieve what he has achieved today.
“This is to motivate young people in secondary schools and universities on how, by strategic planning and hard work, they too can achieve the maximum successes equitable to their God-given endowments. If I didn’t reach out to the depths of my being for myself-realization in 1958 onwards, I would simply have been discarded as a dunce and failure. My resurgence in class and school is really the major motivation for writing this book, Destined For The Ivory Tower.”
He decried the declining standard of education in the country and blamed it on various factors, including poor funding, poor facilities, determined antagonism against Lecturers and Professors and criminal neglect by political leaders.
The book, according to him, also discusses the important issue of post-retirement poverty of workers including Professors and indeed all Nigerians due to the meagre pensions paid to retirees, and which may be irregular, or not be paid at all.
He also stressed the need for civil servants to make proper plans for post-retirement.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof Oyewale Tomori, who is also a Veterinary scientist, described the book as “a timely and necessary voice in the evolving conversation on African intellectual identity.” He commended the author for capturing the aspirations and challenges of students and lecturers alike with clarity, empathy, and wit. “This book feels like a roadmap — and a reality check,” Tomori said.
Speaking at the event, Publisher of Prime Business Africa, Dr Marcel Mbamalu, who reviewed the book, said: “Destined for the Ivory Tower is a cultural chronicle, a spiritual journey, and an intellectual biography. Through Anosa’s journey, the reader experiences a deeply personal yet profoundly communal odyssey: one destined to inspire, inform, and endure.”
Responding, Anosa said: “These words capture my intentions.”
He added that the 300-page book “will be useful to students in secondary schools and universities, and their parents, to optimize the full realization of their God-given potential. Workers will also get useful insights into strategic planning of their finances during their working life in order to build up investments for their retirement.”
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
