Hope Eghagha

Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha (born 4 September 1959) is a Nigerian professor of English Literature and Literary Analysis in the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, currently researching on dramatic theory and criticism. He is a playwright, poet, novelist, biographer and a columnist in The Guardian newspaper (Nigeria) editorial board. Through his weekly newspaper opinion articles, he explores complex challenges in Nigeria.

Eghagha's first play, entitled Death, Not a Redeemer (published 1998), is a recommended text in many universities in Nigeria. His other plays include, Onawawi Shall Rise Again, Oily Marriage and Two Mothers and Son. He has written six different collections of poetry: Mama Dances Into the Night, Pepper in my Throat, Rhythms of the Last Testament, Premonitions and Other Dreams, The Governor’s Lodge, and This Story Must Not Be Told. He has also written a novel, Emperors of Salvation. There are publications on Hope Eghagha's writings, including the critical text entitled In Theory and Practice, Engaging the Writings of Hope Eghagha, edited by Dr Patrick Oloko. The text has been cited by scholars "across the world". He was reappointed Delta State Commissioner Government House from December 2014 to May 2015. That encounter made him write a short story entitled "Your Death Hour is 10 O’clock". He was Acting Dean Faculty of Arts University of Lagos in 2015 and Head of Department of English, University of Lagos from 2016 to 2019. Eghagha has supervised many PhDs and was made a full professor in 2010. Eghagha is Honorary Colonel of the Commonwealth of Kentucky US (1999) and Honorary Captain of the Belle of Louisville (1999).

Early life and education Hope Eghagha was born on 4 September 1959 in Burutu, Delta State. He hails from Mereje in Okpe local government area of Delta State. Eghagha was appointed Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State by the then governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, in January 2009. In December 2014, Eghagha was reappointed as Delta State Commissioner Government House, serving until May 2015. He was appointed Acting Dean Faculty of Arts University of Lagos in November 2015. In August 2016, he became the Head, Department of English, University of Lagos, serving until 2019.

Literary works Hope Eghagha revealed that he is a "literary child of JP Clark", and like Clark, he ventured into multiple genres in literature. His literary works include

Death, Not a Redeemer (his first play, published 1998), which became a recommended text in many universities in Nigeria. Onawawi Shall Rise Again (play), Mama Dances Into the Night (poetry) Petticoat Power (2016, poetry) Pepper in my Throat (poetry) Rhythms of the Last Testament (poetry) Premonitions and Other Dreams (poetry) The Governor's Lodge (poetry) This Story Must Not Be Told (poetry) E.K. Clark: Portrait of a Patriot (2008, biography) F.M.O. Osifo: From Machine Boy to Managing Director (biography)

Membership Eghagha is a member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Nigerian Folklore Society; Association of Nigerian Authors; and the African Literature Association (ALA).