Nigerian Lectures at Harvard University With No Degree

Believe it or not, a Nigerian woman has lectured at Harvard University without a formal degree to call her own. Her name is Nike Davies-Okundaye, the founder of the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos. The Nation News recently featured Nike’s inspiring story. Her journey began from humble beginnings in the native village of Ogidi in Kogi State. At six years old, her mother sadly passed on, leaving her in the care of her grandmother and other relatives who were significantly craftsmen. They taught her the arts and crafts skills – along with values like hard work and determination –  that eventually led to her success as a celebrated artist and textile designer. She has even been acclaimed by greats like former US Presidents, Bill Clinton and George Bush Jr. “My grandmother was the head of all the weavers in our community. So, even as a little child, I already had a dream that I would own a big studio when I grew up. People came from different areas to buy the cloth from her. So, at that time, I already sensed that I might not have the opportunity to go to school,” she told The Nation. Interestingly, several Nigerians have gone through the formal setting of a four-walled classroom and are yet to accomplish what she has in her lifetime. On one hand, Nike received vocational training – the best kind being from local artisans – but on the other, she doesn’t have the name of a big, elite school cited in her CV or professional bio. This just goes to show that there’s so much more to achieving success than a fancy degree from an expensive institution. Passion was key for her; a passion for the arts that she first passed down for free to Osun State locals through the Nike Arts Centre for Arts and Culture in the town of Oshogbo. Founded in 1983, the centre has now grown to an institution of international prominence with students from Nigeria, Europe and the United States. It also has branches in Lagos and her hometown of Ogidi. Let’s not forget that she’s also lectured Arts classes at Harvard University. She said: “Imagine, a little girl who grew up in a rustic village without any sign of hope for a good future. Now I stand before PhD holders and teach them. I have been invited to meet presidents of foreign countries. I think I should be proud of my little achievements and be grateful to God.” Mrs. Okundaye’s story is a truly inspirational one that reminds us all that passion combined with hard-work and raw talent can produce a legacy to be proud of.     Want more positivity in the world? Share positive content like this to uplift the next Nigerian!  

---

You might also like:

• SOTO Gallery Presents Charred Visions: Textures and Tensions
• Effects Of Being A Polyglot
• SME Spotlight: Amani Art
• Arts And Culture Events To Attend This Detty December

This article was first published on 22nd May 2015

---

---

Comments (1)