Chinua Achebe: Nigerian Literary Legend
Chinua Achebe: a well known Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He grew up
in a religious setting, continuing his life with success and glory. With countless awards given to
Achebe, he was no stranger to the spotlight. Although the influential and memorable writer went
through great prosperity, he also went through hardships. Chinua Achebe gave Africa a voice
through his literary works and lectures, frequently being referred to as “the founding father of
African literature.”
Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was the name that his parents, Janet Iloegbunam and Isaiah
Achebe, gave to him when he was born: November 16, 1930. Both Janet and Isaiah were both
acutely religious, raising Chinua in a Christian environment. However, the family still practiced
Igbo beliefs and customs; his family belonged to the Igbo tribe. He was raised in a town called
Ogidi, one of the first centers of Anglican missionary work, in Eastern Nigeria. Chinua had a
sister named Zinobia Uzoma, and two brothers: John and Augustine. Fast forward through
countless awards and honorary mentions, schooling, and travelling; Chinua decided to slow
down for just a little while. He married Christie Chinwe Okoli on September 10, 1961, and had
four children soon after.
To elaborate on his schooling and novelist life, Chinua Achebe began to learn English at
eight years old. Only six years later, he was selected to attend Government College; a highly
selective secondary school in Umuahia. This was in 1944 and lasted until 1948 when he accepted
a scholarship to study medicine at University College in Ibadan. After only one year of attending
University College, he decided to switch to study English literature, history, and theology;
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forfeiting his scholarship. With the financial assistance of his older brother John, he was able to
continue his studies. Ten years later, he published ...
