June/July 2025
Politics of Religion in Northern Nigeria
The failure of populist religious reforms has opened the door to radical religious groups who criticize the state for both poor governance and non-adherence to religious doctrines. This unresolved tension leads to the politicization of Islam. The resulting disconnect deepens ideological divides and leads to continuous social unrest. Read More...
Akwaeke Emezi’s Love Letter to Eastern Nigeria
In their sophomore novel, The Death of Vivek Oji, published five years ago, Akwaeke Emezi upends conventions of plot, genre and place to tell a riveting story of how three generations of an Igbo family reckon with the unpredictability of desire and the certainty of death. Read More...
Nigeria Is No Haven for People With Albinism
For Nigerians with albinism, the greatest burden isn’t their condition; it’s the ignorance and misinformation around it. Widespread education and public awareness is crucial to dismantling the stigma they face daily. Read More...
Six African Writers Reveal the Last Great Book Recommendations They Received
In our latest First Draft interview, we asked six writers to share the last great book recommendations the received. Here’s what they told us. Read More...
7 Books That Will Make You Actually Care About Climate Change
From the memoir of a Ugandan climate activist, which emphasizes the importance of climate justice, to a dystopian novel that imagines a climate-ravaged South Africa, the books on this list will show you just how bad things can get if the world does not prioritize climate conservation. Read More...
Does Lagos Have an Architectural Identity Crisis?
The architectural identity of Lagos is at a crossroads. It got there on the back of urbanization and economic growth. While these major influences have led to remarkable development, they have eroded the spirit of place in Lagos. Is this a problem or an opportunity? Read More...
Can Nigeria’s Tech Sector Drive Inclusive Growth?
As Nigeria embraces its digital future, inclusion—not just innovation—must lead. Can this transformation reach all Nigerians or just the privileged few? Read More...
The Colonial and Capitalistic Legacies of Nigeria’s Skin Bleaching Epidemic
Nigeria has the highest number of people who have used skin-bleaching products, reflecting a phenomenon that is not merely a beauty preference but a symptom of colonial legacies, global beauty standards, and capitalist structures that privilege lighter skin. Read More...
What Is the Place of Nollywood in the World?
As the Nigerian film industry arrives at a crossroads, experts weigh in on its place in the world and what the future holds. Read More...
Nok and Africa’s Disregard for Prehistory
African societies have, over centuries, had to deal with a cleavage of their present from their pasts by foreign powers. In the face of such cultural imperialism, how invested are their leaders in reclaiming Africa’s plundered historical heritage? Read More...
