Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Centre for Research, Innovation and e-Educational Services at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, on Wednesday held its maiden colloquia series, with a lecture examining human existence through the lens of existentialism.
The event, held at the EGR Complex of the institution, featured a paper titled Life as Tragedy: A Critical Existentialist’s Reflection on Human Existence and Experience, delivered by the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Chris Omotosho.
In his presentation, Omotosho drew on the ideas of leading existentialist thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus to interrogate the meaning of life, freedom and human responsibility.
He argued that life, though often perceived as tragic, remains meaningful when individuals take responsibility for their choices and actions.
“Life, viewed existentially, is neither a problem to be solved nor a fate to be escaped, but a lived drama demanding courage, self-awareness and commitment,” he said.
Omotosho explained that tragedy should not be seen merely as a literary or dramatic concept but as a fundamental feature of human existence.
According to him, “the tragic dimension of life emerges from the paradox of human freedom, where individuals are compelled to make choices within conditions they neither created nor fully control.”
He added that this burden of choice often results in anxiety and a sense of meaninglessness, noting, however, that such experiences could lead to personal growth.
“Rather than succumbing to despair, individuals can transform suffering, failure and limitation into opportunities for self-creation and ethical engagement,” he stated.
The don also examined cultural interpretations of tragedy, noting that African societies often view tragedy as communal rather than individual, while stressing that perceptions differ across cultures.
Speaking on existentialism, he said human beings are responsible for shaping their own identity and destiny.
“You are not born with a fixed identity. You become who you are through your choices. Life poses the question, and your actions provide the answer,” he added.
Omotosho further linked the concept of tragedy to religious teachings, noting that both Islam and Christianity acknowledge trials and suffering as part of human existence.
In his remarks, the Deputy Provost, Academics, Dr. J. B. Filani, who represented the Provost, Dr. Rafiu Adekola Soyele, commended the centre for initiating the colloquia series.
“I appreciate the Centre for coming up with this colloquia series. It is a commendable initiative that will deepen academic discourse within the college,” Filani said.
He also praised the School of Arts and Social Sciences for leading the initiative through its dean.
“I congratulate the School of Arts and Social Sciences for blazing the trail. With this presentation, a solid foundation has been laid for subsequent editions,” he added.
The Deputy Provost, Administration, Dr. Temitayo Akinyele, former Provost, Dr. A. A. Ajayi, as well as deans, directors, union leaders and members of staff across various schools and departments attended the event.
