Security scholar, and author of ‘The Loneliest War: Nigeria’s Strategy Against Boko Haram’, and ‘Beyond the War’, Dr Jumo Ayandele, thinks decolonization is fast becoming an overused term in the international relations field: ‘In the international relations space, there’s been this recurring question of “how do we decolonize the international relations curriculum?” And I have to ask—what does decolonization mean?’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
I read a lot of crime and legal investigative thriller books when I was growing up. My dad travelled a lot, and this was before there was WIFI on planes or at most airports. So, he came back with lots of books, by authors such as John Grisham and David Baldacci. And after reading these books, he would always pass them on to us. We were also introduced to self-help books—I don't think any Nigerian dad who read did not have Rich Dad, Poor Dad. But I quickly learned that I gravitated towards fiction. I needed to immerse myself in another reality that helped in expanding my worldview. I found non-fiction books a bore. Ironically, now all I read are academic publications, articles, journals, and maybe one or two memoirs. I really need to make time for reading fiction, because I really love doing it.
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