‘Curved Fortunes’ Unveiled

Saturday, June 14, 2025, marked a significant day for literature and academia as the university proudly hosted the official launch of Curved Fortunes, a captivating collection of 89 poems by our very own Professor Mark Nwagwu, a distinguished former Pan-Atlantic University Governing Council member. The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art teemed with anticipation from literature enthusiasts, drawing faculty, students, alumni, and other members of the PAU community to celebrate this profound literary achievement. 

This launch held particular significance on multiple fronts. Curved Fortunes is the first collection of poems to be published by PAU Press, marking a bold new chapter for the university’s publishing arm. For Professor Nwagwu, another feather in his cap, standing as his 12th book overall and his fifth collection of poetry, is a testament to his prolific and enduring contribution to the literary landscape. 

The event kicked off with a warm welcome address from Mr. Kingsley Ukaoha, Registrar, Pan-Atlantic University, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. He lauded Professor Mark Nwagwu’s enduring contributions to academia and the university, setting a tone of profound respect and admiration for the author. 

A lineup of distinguished guests enriched the occasion, including Chief Mustafa Chike-Obi, who served as Chairman, Queen Obonganwan Barbara Etim James as the Chief Unveiler, Eriata Oribhabor as the Reviewer, and Mrs. Bola Alice Obasanjo, wife of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who represented the host. Each speaker added layers of insight and warmth, reflecting on the enduring impact of Professor Nwagwu’s literary journey. Mrs. Obasanjo’s reflections offered a glimpse into the relationship between the author and her husband, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR. 

Professor Mark Nwagwu’s presentation began with a celebratory moment as he cut a cake, fulfilling a promise he had shared on Facebook. He discussed the book’s dedication to Christopher Nonyelum Okeke, a diplomat whose work, “Multidimensionality in Nigerian Art,” inspired many poems. Professor Nwagwu shared moments from his life in photographs that shaped the book. Beyond this, the collection also serves as a poignant tribute to Professor Nwagwu’s late wife, Professor Helen Onyemazuwa Nwagwu, with hints from the host and reviewer Eriata Oribhabor suggesting many poems sprang from Helen’s Eyes. 

Notably, the unveiling brought tangible support, with Chief Chike-Obi pledging ₦5 million from Fidelity Bank, alongside personal contributions to both PAU Press and the book. Queen Obonganwan Barbara Etim James endowed 100 books to the school, and Mr. Kingsley added 5 books to the university library, demonstrating a collective investment in this literary work. 

As Rev.. Fr. (Dr.) Anthony Odoh, the Regional Vicar of the Opus Dei Prelature in Nigeria, articulated, 

“He (Professor Nwagwu) has a penchant for bringing out part of his soul and making all of us share in his dreams, his inspiration, his way of thinking and that somehow metamorphoses into words and devotion.”  

This statement encapsulates the essence of Curved Fortunes, a work that not only enriches the literary landscape but also invites readers into the author’s profound personal journey.