Writers Congratulate Hafsat Abdulwaheed Over Honorary Doctorate Conferment

 WRITERS CONGRATULATE HAFSAT ABDULWAHEED OVER HONORARY DOCTORATE CONFERMENT

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has congratulated renowned writer, Hajiya Hafsat Abdulwaheed on receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) during its 13th Convocation ceremony.

In a statement issued by the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Wole Adedoyin described this  honor as a testimony to Abdulwaheed's exceptional career as a writer, poet, and champion of women's rights.

According to the release, "She is a true pioneer in Nigeria's literary landscape."

The Society itself previously recognized Abdulwaheed in 2017 for her "Read Across Nigeria" project, which took readings and brought her works to ten states across the country in her honor.

Born in 1952, Abdulwaheed holds the distinction of being the first female Hausa writer from Northern Nigeria to publish a novel.

Her literary path began in primary school, where she crafted folktales that earned her early acclaim, including an award from the British Council.

In 1970, Hajiya Abdulwaheed entered a competition organized by the Northern Nigerian Publishing Company (NNPC) with her story "So Aljannar Duniya" ("Love is Paradise on Earth"). Inspired by her sister's marital challenges navigating cultural differences, this work became her most celebrated piece.

"So Aljannar Duniya" not only secured second place but is also credited with pioneering the development of modern Hausa love stories, known as "Littattafan Soyayya" or "Love Books," and "Kano Market Literature." As Cara Giaimo cites Abdallah Uba Adamu and Graham Furniss, this novel "really set the world alight to [Hausa] love-story writing."

Abdulwaheed's literary contributions extend far beyond this groundbreaking work. 

Her published works include "Yardubu Mai Tambotsai" ("Yardubu the Possessed" - fiction), "Nasiha ga Ma'aura" (Admonition for the Married Couple - non-fiction), "Namijin Maza Tauraron Annabawa" (a non-fiction piece on the life of Muhammad), and her first English poetry collection, "Ancient Dance."

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers takes immense pride in celebrating Hajiya Abdulwaheed's achievements and the lasting impact she has made on Nigerian literature and society. 

Her dedication to storytelling and her unwavering advocacy for women's rights continue to inspire generations.