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A graduate of Nutrition and Dietetics from the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Ondo State, Adedayo Agarau, who recently won a $50,000 Wallace Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University, United States through poetry, tells FATTEH HAMID how his passion for creative writing helped him to achieve the feat
How would you describe being one of the winners of the Wallace Stegner Fellowship worth $50,000 in the poetry category despite being a graduate in the sciences?
I remember breaking down in tears on North Clinton Street (in the US) one evening after a workshop. At first, I thought the call was fake and I wanted to ignore it, but someone alerted me that my phone was ringing so I answered to save everyone the noise. When things like that happen, I usually take time to process them, but the call from Stanford sank in immediately. It was as if I had that moment to relive every step I had taken to arrive at that point. I believe our life is a wild unveiling. When someone told me that he hoped I won the Stegner fellowship, I laughed it off because it was a very wild thing to hope, and this is not because I lacked belief in myself (because I actually do believe in my writing and the stories I want to tell), but because it is simply unthinkable that Adedayo has won the Stegner (fellowship).
When the Cave Canem email came, I first called Adams Adeosun, who is one of the most inventive, brilliant, and audacious creative writers I know, informing him that I had been selected. He asked us to celebrate. I laughed it off because I didn’t exactly know what it meant to my career that I am a Cave Canem fellow now. I saw Elizabeth Willis in the hallway of the Dey House and told her. She was happy, of course, but she said, ‘This is so good for your career as a black man’. I am grateful for those who hold the door for my talent and it is because of this gratitude that I celebrate everything that comes my way. It was Agbaakin Jeremiah who sent the application a few days before the deadline. I wasn’t going to apply. Afua Ansong, my special friend, advised me to apply for the Water Mills Residency in New York. I can go on and on about people reminding me of my talent and work by putting opportunities before me. I am still living the wild dream of being a Wallace Stegner and a Cave Canem fellow in the same year. It’s simply unbelievable.
 In your post announcing your fellowship at Stanford University, United States, you stated that you never imagined a boy from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, would have achieved this. What do you reflect on when you look back at your background?
 Reflecting on my educational journey, it’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride riddled with obstacles, and disappointments, yet marked by tenacity, resilience, and, eventually, a series of remarkable accomplishments. My journey began in the humble settings of Ibadan Boys’ High School and then transitioned to Scores College, Ibadan. My dream was to attend Obafemi Awolowo University, but failing to meet the cut-off mark dealt me a crushing blow. However, as they say, life happens while we’re busy making other plans. This setback in 2011 proved to be a turning point, redirecting me to a different path. One of my uncles, seeing my situation, advised me to acquire a pre-national diploma form from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, so that I wouldn’t lose another year to inaction. I embraced this alternate path and earned my national diploma in 2012, choosing to specialise in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. This wasn’t merely a second choice; it became a passion, ultimately leading me to become the president of the student body in my department. I found myself engaged deeply in faculty and student union government committees, expanding my horizons and refining my leadership skills.
 Did you attempt to switch over to a university after earning a national diploma?
In 2015, despite passing the entrance exam with distinction, I failed to meet the administrative requirements to join the Family Nutrition Department at OAU, an unfortunate testament to the corruption and moral decay undermining our educational system in Nigeria. However, this obstacle did not deter me. Instead, I enrolled at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (in Owo, Ondo State) for a higher national diploma, persevering through adversity, and graduated triumphantly in 2019. Reflecting on my journey now, as a fellowship recipient at Stanford University, it seems almost surreal. From a boy who began his educational journey at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, to a fellow at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, it’s been a tale of resilience and perseverance against all odds. I see it as a testament to the fact that our beginnings do not define us, but rather our unwavering determination to strive for excellence, no matter where we come from.
 Poetry took you away from the shores of Nigeria. When did you start writing poems?
 My journey into poetry began in 2012. Although I’d been writing sporadically before that time, my interaction with writers such as Rasak Malik and Kukogho Samson inspired me to start consciously documenting my thoughts through poetry. In 2013, I had my first publication, which marked the beginning of my professional writing career. I’ll recount this story on numerous occasions because its importance will prompt me to tell it again and again. It’s a tale of discovery and self-realisation, a narrative that echoes the saying, ‘You don’t know what you have until you find it’. This story stands as a testament to my deep gratitude towards technology and social media, for they played integral roles in shaping my journey. It all started with an old group chat on 2go, a platform that has since become obsolete. In that little digital gathering place, I stumbled upon a community of incredible talents – Rasaq Malik, Grraciano, Madu Chisom, and several others. Among them, Rasaq Malik’s work made a profound impression. His writing was not only original and inventive, but also exuded a unique spirituality. His words danced across the page, bending and flowing at his command. It fascinated me how he could make language submit to his intentions so effortlessly.
Driven by curiosity and admiration, I reached out to him, requesting him to ‘teach me’. Instead of offering a tutorial, he ushered me into another digital space – Facebook. There, I already had a little corner where I showcased my rap verses and rhymes. I was introduced to Kayode Odesanya (widely known as Kida Kudz), Promise Micah (aka Krystar Micah), and Akeem Alesh. This transition led to an exciting discovery – a vibrant community of writers known as Word Rhymes and Rhythm. The story doesn’t end there; it extends like a series of unending chapters, each building upon the other. But one crucial takeaway that has stayed with me is the importance of community in our personal and professional development.
 With your experience, how important is having the right support group?
 We cannot build capacities if we don’t have a network of supportive and inspiring individuals. When you fail to recognise your potential, others can see the talent hidden in you, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured. In my case, it was the legacy of my grandfather, Alhaji Arole Agarawu, that lay dormant in me. He was a songwriter and photographer, a man whose creativity flowed through his veins. For the longest time, I felt out of place, akin to a mango in an orange grove. However, it wasn’t until poetry found me that I realised that I was a fruit of a different kind, belonging to a lineage of artists. I had been standing on fertile ground all along, unaware of the creative roots that connected me to my grandfather, and waiting to be discovered.
 Not many people give relevance to poetry in Nigeria. Do you agree?
 Yes, I absolutely agree with that sentiment. In Nigeria, like in many places around the world, poetry isn’t always given the recognition it truly deserves. Despite its transformative power and how it can eloquently encapsulate the human experience, poetry remains poorly appreciated and poorly celebrated. However, I firmly believe this can change, and it begins with shifting societal attitudes. We must collectively understand that poetry is not an obscure form of art reserved for the intellectuals or the elites. Poetry is for everyone – it is the language of emotions and experiences, a universal form of communication that transcends borders and cultural differences.
 What are the ways you think this can change?
We can start by integrating poetry more thoroughly into our educational curriculum. Exposure to different poetic forms, styles, and poets from an early age can cultivate an appreciation for this art form. Let’s turn classrooms into spaces where creativity thrives, and where children are encouraged to write their poems, express their emotions, and engage with the world around them through the power of words. Public spaces and events are other arenas where we can promote poetry. Organising poetry slams, open mics, and spoken word events in communities can bring people together to appreciate this art form. Similarly, promoting local poets and their works through media, social platforms, and cultural festivals can elevate their visibility and highlight the relevance of poetry in contemporary society. Moreover, we can harness the power of digital platforms to reach a wider audience. Online poetry workshops, webinars, and poetry-sharing platforms can connect poets and poetry lovers from across the globe.
Encouraging budding poets through these platforms can be a great way to sustain their interest in this art form. Finally, the role of parents and elders cannot be undermined. They are the first influencers in a child’s life, and their support toward a child’s poetic interests can go a long way. We must remember that change is a gradual process. It won’t happen overnight, but each step we take in promoting and appreciating poetry brings us closer to a society where poetry is valued as a significant part of our cultural and emotional landscape. After all, we are a nation with a rich oral tradition, where stories, folklore, and wisdom have been passed down through generations through rhymes and rhythm. It’s about time we brought that legacy to the forefront once again.
 When you started writing poems, what were the challenges you faced in society? Did some people not see you as wasting your time?
 My parents have been a pillar of unwavering support for me. Even though they didn’t fully grasp what I was doing, they backed me wholeheartedly. This unconditional support has been a crucial component of my journey. It is often their faith in me that nudges me forward, even when the path seems foggy. Today’s dinner table conversation, for instance, was about my father weaving stories about my grandfather. He suggested, with a spark of wonder in his eyes, that my grandfather might have passed on something intangible to me. The connection he drew was poignant. As a child, I spent precious moments on my grandfather’s lap, absorbing his words and wisdom, unaware of their significance. This was weeks before his untimely demise in 1995. My father often revisits those moments, suggesting that my journey with poetry may have been sparked by that precious interaction. His belief, that my talent is a legacy from my grandfather, adds a layer of depth to my work. It imbues it with a sense of heritage and continuity.
It is as though my grandfather and I, though separated by time and existence, are bound by the invisible thread of creativity. Every time my father tells this story, it underscores the importance of my grandfather’s influence, even if it was experienced for a brief period. This familial narrative seems to provide a context, a backstory, to my passion for poetry. It suggests that my love for words and their rhythmic dance may be a gift handed down to me, silently yet profoundly, by my grandfather. And for that gift, and the unwavering support of my parents, I am eternally grateful. I am writing about this tradition of passage.
 Did you have it all growing up?
 Such is life’s constant ebb and flow! One moment we grasp, and the next, it seems to slip away, only to reappear later. My childhood was a dance between uncertainty and assurance, between loss and rediscovery, and somehow, I learned to navigate this rhythm. Amid the flux, I grew, adapted, and evolved, continually striving.
 What was your family like?
 I have Yoruba parents from Ijebu Igbo (in Ogun State) who have five children. I am their first son.
 What are you currently working on?
 I am writing a collection of poems about ritual killings and kidnaps that happened in Ibadan (in Oyo State) in my formative years. I’ll continue writing that at Stanford University.
 What lessons do you think parents and young Nigerians can draw from your experience as a child?
 While it’s not my usual role to offer advice, as the editor-in-chief of Agbowo Magazine, one of the most prominent literary magazines in Africa at present, I am in a unique position to witness the incredible potential of our young poets. I have had the privilege of reading numerous talented writers, judging competitions, and curating anthologies. One thing I can assert with absolute certainty is that African writers are masterfully telling the stories that need to be told, utilising inventive language and brilliant explorations. That said, if I were to share a few observations with parents who may be discouraging young poets, here’s what I will convey: encourage your children’s creativity rather than stifle it. Every child has a unique voice and a distinct perspective on the world, and writing provides a crucial outlet for self-expression and exploration. It’s not just about pursuing a career in writing or poetry – it’s about nurturing skills that are valuable in all areas of life.
Critical thinking, empathy, communication skills, and a broader understanding of the world are all nurtured through writing and poetry. Moreover, remember that success doesn’t always follow a conventional route. The traditional professions are not the only paths to a fulfilling and successful career. Our world is constantly evolving, and there are myriad opportunities in the field of literature and the arts. The success of young African writers on global platforms stands testament to this fact. As for young writers, I would strongly encourage you to keep writing, persist with your narrative, and continue to explore the boundless landscape of words and ideas. There’s an entire world inside you waiting to be unveiled. Trust in your journey, and remember, every story you write contributes to the grand tapestry of human experience.
On a practical note, start building your digital footprint. Submit your work to magazines, blogs, and competitions. Join writing groups and engage with the writing community online. These activities not only offer opportunities for recognition and growth, but also allow you to learn from others, gather feedback, and improve your craft. Keep honing your skills, and never stop believing in your potential. Your voice matters and your stories are worth sharing. Read deeply. Do not fear rejection. Write often. Joy will come.

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