Poetry Can Be Instrumental in Resolving Nigeria's Issues and Promote Global Harmony, says Prof Doki

 

     Poetry Can Be  Instrumental in Resolving Nigeria's Issues and Promote Global Harmony, says Prof Doki

        Professor Jeff Doki, who is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Jos, recently shared his perspectives on how poetry can effectively foster peace during turbulent times in Nigeria and globally. He stressed that, unlike sciences, poetry profoundly connects with human emotions, intuition, and imagination. 

Professor Doki, also the Head of the English Department at UNIJOS, conveyed these influential ideas during his 107th inaugural lecture, titled 'Poetry and Global Peace'. This lecture was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tanko Ishaya. In spite of diverse languages, cultures, laws, and traditions, the professor believes that, the poet can unite the vast expanse of human society through their passion and understanding. "‘Poetry and Global Peace’ is the title of my inaugural lecture because I firmly believe that poetry can bring sustainable peace in society," He said.

“Let me quickly add, for the purpose of clarity, that I am using the term poetry to mean the diversity of human experience treated in the various forms of poetry like the drama, the ode, the sonnet, the epic, the novel, the philosophical verse and Orature. In other words, I am using the term poetry in my inaugural lecture to mean all of imaginative literature". He said.

      Prof Doki  proposed four ways in which poetry can achieve this: by covering a broad spectrum of human life, by acting as a crucial transmitter of human experiences, by stimulating human emotional interest, and by fostering a sense of empathy. He also argued that poetry, or literature in its broadest terms, can effectively stimulate enlightened intellectual activity due to its diverse thematic range, and its ability to inspire and effectively communicate, thereby offering a life experience as opposed to abstract analysis and interpretation.

Prof Doki’s thesis suggests that by tapping into the intellectual, imaginative, and emotional capacities of humans in a unified and harmonious way, the transformative and salutary effects of poetry can be secured. He emphasized that  the power of poetry as a potent tool in resolving conflicts at local, national, and international levels. supported by texts from English and African literature as well as oral literature. 

Prof Doki also urged that students and children should be encouraged to foster a reading culture. According to him, understanding the allure of poetry as a permanent source of joy and a realistic means of conflict resolution can be achieved through reading. He said, "Our nation's progress is hindered because we lack a reading culture. I advise the university management to establish academic rewards for excellence at departmental and faculty levels to encourage students to read more."