The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has elected the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, as one of its Fellows for the year 2025.

Pate was recommended by the Fellowship Screening Committee during the College of Fellows meeting held on Tuesday

A renowned academic and media guru, Professor Pate was elected under the category of Communication and Media Studies.

Other scholars the Nigerian Academy of Letters elected include Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, Professor Alkasum Abba, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti, and Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran (overseas category), among others.

However, the Academy announced the conferment of Honorary Fellowships on notable Nigerians, including His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha; veteran journalist and arts advocate, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo; and celebrated columnist, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju.

The Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice were also approved for Mr. Laolu Ogunniyi, Alhaji Teju Kareem, and Mr. Musa Alao Adedayo, in recognition of their significant contributions to the promotion of humanistic values in Nigeria.

The formal investiture of the new Fellows and conferment of the awards will take place during the 27th Convocation of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, scheduled for August 14, 2025, at the University of Lagos.

Speaking on the development, the President of the Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, FNAL, urged the public and academic community to celebrate the new Fellows.

He said that their election is a testament to their outstanding scholarship, service, and impact in their respective fields.