Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the iconic Kenyan writer and activist, has died at the age of 87, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to revolutionise education across Africa.
His death marks the end of an era, but his influence lives on in classrooms, libraries, and literary festivals throughout the continent.
For decades, Ngũgĩ’s novels were sidelined in favour of European classics, but today, his works are central to how students engage with history, culture, and critical thinking.
From Weep Not, Child to Petals of Blood, his stories portray Africa’s colonial and postcolonial experiences through the eyes of ordinary people—narratives that resonate deeply with African learners.
“Ngũgĩ’s stories have given our students something they’ve long been denied—a chance to see themselves in literature,” said Pamela Mwiine, a literature teacher at a secondary school in Uganda.
“His characters speak to our past and present in ways that Western texts never could.”
Educational institutions in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and beyond have increasingly woven Ngũgĩ’s literature into national curricula.
His influence has also reached global academia, with universities in the UK and US offering specialised courses on his work, hailing him as a cornerstone of postcolonial thought.
“Ngũgĩ's novels challenge students to think beyond the surface,” said Robert Itakatahire, a former literature teacher at Kanoni Secondary School in Uganda’s Kazo District.
“He doesn’t just tell stories—he deconstructs systems of power, language, and oppression. That’s a powerful tool in education.”
One of Ngũgĩ’s most revolutionary decisions was to abandon English in favour of Gikuyu, his native language. This bold move sparked continent-wide conversations about the role of indigenous languages in education and identity.
“Language is not neutral. Ngũgĩ taught us that,” said Itakatahire. “He showed us that the language we use in education shapes how we see ourselves.”
In rural classrooms, Ngũgĩ’s use of African idioms, settings, and themes has made literature more accessible and relatable for students.
“Before, students struggled to connect with texts about snowy London streets and English boarding schools,” Itakatahire explained.
“Now, they read stories that reflect their own lives—village life, community struggles, and the search for justice.”
Ngũgĩ’s works have also become powerful tools in civic education. His novel Devil on the Cross, for instance, is used by teachers to explore themes of corruption, justice, and leadership, helping young readers think critically about the societies they live in.
His influence extends well beyond the classroom. Across Africa, student book clubs, literary festivals, and school drama productions bring Ngũgĩ’s stories to life.
His works inspire poetry, spoken word, and debate—activities that foster creativity and community engagement.
“In every Ngũgĩ novel, there’s a classroom,” said Itakatahire. “One that teaches us about who we were, who we are, and who we could be.”
As the continent mourns the passing of this literary giant, educators, students, and readers celebrate a man who gave Africa its voice in literature—and in doing so, transformed the way future generations learn.