Welcoming Obari Gomba, Global South Visiting Professor

Obari Emmanuel Gomba, a senior lecturer from the University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria), has arrived in the UK as Global South Visiting Professor at TORCH (The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities).

Dr Gomba is a leading literary scholar and writer, whose work explores the impact of oil production on the social, political, and ecological context of the Niger Delta. His 2018 play, Guerrilla Post, won the Association of Nigerian Authors Drama Prize, and he was instrumental in in Port Harcourt being awarded the UNESCO Book Capital of the Year in 2014.

During his stay in Oxford, he will focus on researching the historical representation of this “oil culture” in three plays set in the pre-colonial period. Dr Gomba’s research is at the forefront of recent developments in “eco-criticism” and “energy humanities.” This is part of the collaborative research initiative The Arts of Oil—A Cultural History of Port Harcourt between the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Oxford, which was launched in 2018. This is an interdisciplinary programme which examines the way in which the profits and politics of oil are represented in the popular arts—literature, photography, comedy, and art. Dr Gomba’s research thus facilitates the exchange of knowledge across the humanities, particularly in English, Anthropology and African Studies.

The Global South Visiting Professorship, which sits in TORCH, is part of a wider aim to diversify the curriculum in Oxford’s humanities departments. The scheme is funded by All Souls College and is part of TORCH’s wider International engagement.

Professor Gomba said: "The University of Oxford is a great centre of learning. I am excited to be here as the 2021 TORCH Global South Visiting Professor and a Visiting Fellow at All Souls College.  I will use the contacts and facilities here to advance my research for global good. The platform is matchless; my work must be."

Professor David Pratten is sponsoring Professor Gomba’s term at the University. He said "As one of the leading literary commentators on the politics of oil in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria Dr Gomba is a key partner and participant in an ongoing collaborative research programme between Oxford University and the University of Port Harcourt called ‘The Arts of Oil: A cultural history of Port Harcourt’. Dr Gomba’s visit will enable him to consult archival sources, and to share insights on the works of Niger Delta poets and playwrights."

Through the Visiting Professor scheme, academics from countries in the Global South are hosted by a University of Oxford academic for one or more terms. The TORCH Global South Visiting Professorships also provide role models and increase awareness around diversity and inclusivity across the wider University. The scheme builds on, and reinforces existing links between Oxford (including TORCH) and universities in the Global South.

Dr Gomba will be based at Oxford’s Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology and All Souls College until 17th December, 2021.