ANA Hails Dr. Tunde Olusunle's Contributions To Literature, Public Service At 61

ANA HAILS DR.TUNDE OLUSUNLE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO LITERATURE, PUBLIC SERVICE AT 61

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has hailed the outstanding contributions of renowned poet, journalist, essayist, literary scholar, and former presidential aide, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, to literature and public service as he marks his 61st birthday.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, who extolled Dr. Olusunle’s enduring impact on Nigerian literature and intellectual discourse.

According to the statement, Dr. Olusunle epitomises Nigeria’s sociocultural diversity at its finest. Born in Kaduna, capital of the erstwhile North Central State, he began his early education in Kaduna and completed it in Benin City in 1975, reflecting a formative experience shaped by diverse cultural influences across regions.

He attended the Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Benin City, graduating in 1980, before proceeding to the School of Basic Studies, Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, for his A’Level studies, completed in 1982. He later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1985 and a Master’s degree in Literature in 1989 from the University of Ilorin, and a Doctorate in Media Arts from the University of Abuja in 2020.

Between August 1985 and July 1986, Dr. Olusunle undertook the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Owerri, Imo State. He subsequently taught English and Literature in various schools across present-day Kwara and Kogi States between 1986 and 1990, reflecting his early dedication to education and mentorship.

In 1990, he transitioned into journalism, beginning a distinguished career in media and public communication. He served on the Editorial Board of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, Lagos, and later functioned as chief publicist to three Governors of Kogi State—both civilian and military—between 1992 and 1997. He also served in Nigeria’s Presidency between 1999 and 2007.

An independent scholar of remarkable repute, Dr. Olusunle is currently an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. He has authored three volumes of poetry and four volumes of essays, in addition to editing and co-editing several books. His academic works have been widely published in national and international journals, books, and festschrifts.

ANA commended Dr. Olusunle for his unwavering commitment to the literary arts and his significant role in shaping generations of writers and thinkers. The Association wished him continued good health, longevity, and more accomplishments in the years ahead.