A-ARTs: Celebrating A Legacy: Egonwa Guild of Scholars Honours Prof. Osa

Prof Osa Dennis Egonwa FSNA.

IN a grand tribute to an illustrious academic career spanning over three decades, the postgraduate supervisees of the renowned Professor of Visual Arts, Prof. Osa Dennis Egonwa, have congregated to publish a monumental 38-chapter, 313-page book.

The publication comes with full colour illustrations titled “Landmarks in Visual Arts Research: Excerpts from Post-Graduate Students of Prof. Osa D. Egonwa (1999 – 2025)” with J. Ogene and U.N.O Edewor as Editors. It comes in hard and soft covers. This magnum opus is a heartfelt celebration of Prof. Egonwa’s profound impact on the field of Visual Arts and his unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Upon his recent retirement from Delta State University, Abraka, at 70 on the 4th of July 2025, his supervisees have seized the opportunity to acknowledge the significant role Prof. Egonwa played in shaping their academic journeys and research endeavours. The book is therefore a testament to an enduring legacy, as it features contributions from his supervisees (MFA, Ph.D Studio, MA and Ph.D Art History), who have evolved, thus are elevating Visual Art practices and systems.

The book “Landmarks in Visual Arts Research” which will be officially presented to the public through a Book Launch on the 22nd of August 2025, at the Delta State University, Abraka, where Professor Osa D. Egonwa contributed significantly to scholarship, is more than just a collection of scholarly essays; it is a reflection of his mentorship, passion for the arts, and path-finding visionary commitment to academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond. Each chapter not only showcases the breadth and depth of research conducted under his guidance but also highlights the innovative and groundbreaking work being done in the field of Visual Arts.

The contributors to this compendium are Egwali, F.C; Ighalo, M.O.; Ononeme, E.I.; Edewor, U.N.O.; Nwanna, C.E.; Ogene, J.U.; Mangiri, S.G.; Njoku, K.I.; Abokede, O.O.; Adeyemi, K.; and Aigbe, D.O. Other include Bazunu, H.U.M.; Emiemokumo, A.A.; Onwusoba, F.A.; Ajiginni, M.; Egharevba, S.V.; Osaigbovo, T.U.; ThankGod, C.A.; Esimike, U.R.; Iyama, G.A.; Sulaiman, D.I.; Akinrujomu, O.S.; and Esebameh, G.O. Yet, other visual art professionals not to be left out in this academic potpourri are Ophori, F.O.; Adediran, A.; Suleman, S.T.; Osaigbovo, F.O.; Agholor, J.; Aikhionbare, P.B.; Alabi, U.D.; Loromeke, O.O.; Monwuba, O.V.; Ogundipe, V.A.; Ogunwo, B.O.; Atsegbanghan, G.; Ebewebirue, O.S.; Onibere, V.O.; and Tejuoso, P.E.

Offering insights into the latest trends, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks in art history and studio practice, this book serves as an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in Visual Arts. It is indeed a fitting tribute to Prof. Egonwa’s contributions to the academic community and his role in fostering a vibrant and progressive scholarly environment.

The book launch, being a momentous occasion, therefore serves as odyssey that underscores the lasting impact of Prof. Egonwa’s work and dedication. It is our hope that this book will inspire future generations of artists and scholars to continue pushing the boundaries of Visual Arts research.

For more information about the book, please contact Egonwa Guild of Scholars, care of Prof. U. N. O. Edewor, Delta State University, Abraka, email: nelson edewor@delsu.edu.ng +2348036761368 or Prof. J. Ogene, University of Benin, Benin City, email: ogenej@yahoo.com +2348026261122 or Prof. C.E. Nwanna, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, email: cliff_nwanna@yahoo.com +2348036698861.

Delta State University's PhD Studio in 'Visual Symphony'