The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest), in collaboration with the NuStreams Conference and Culture Centre, is set to host a landmark event celebrating the life and work of renowned Nigerian polymath, Dr. Tunde Adegbola. Titled “The Polymath’s Journey,” it will take place at 2pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the NuStreams Conference and Culture Centre in Ibadan.
Dr. Adegbola has dedicated his life to bridging technology with the Yoruba worldview, making pioneering advancements in language technology and championing the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage. Celebrated for his remarkable ability to blend humanistic vision with scientific inquiry, he stands out as a distinguished scholar, technologist and cultural advocate whose work has had global impact.
According to the organisers, “The Polymath’s Journey” is more than just a conversation; it is a reflection on a life devoted to intellectual inquiry and cultural advocacy.
This evening of reflections and conversations will explore Dr. Adegbola’s philosophy and how his vision continues to shape our understanding of humanity, technology, and the Yoruba worldview. The event also serves as a prelude to the inaugural IbaFest, scheduled for October 24–25, 2025. By honouring one of Ibadan’s most distinguished sons, it aims to set the stage for what is anticipated to be one of Nigeria’s most vibrant celebrations of literature and ideas.
“The Polymath’s Journey” also forms part of a month-long multimedia exhibition in honour of Dr. Adegbola’s 70th birthday, hosted at the NuStreams Centre. The exhibition showcases his extraordinary journey and contributions across disciplines and generations. Admission is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage with a true visionary.
IbaFest is a new annual event dedicated to African literature, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Rooted in Ibadan—a city with a rich literary tradition—the festival brings together writers, artists, and scholars to celebrate stories and explore the creative industries’ potential to drive national development. The inaugural edition, themed “The Past as Prologue to the Future,” will be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
