Lagos State Government Approves Inclusion of "Black White" into Secondary School Curriculum

The Lagos State Government has officially approved the inclusion of ‘Black White’, a book depicting the story of a young man’s journey from Ondo, a town in Southwestern Nigeria, to the United Kingdom in pursuit of higher education and greener pastures, in its state Secondary School curriculum.

Written by an architect and real estate professional, Ifelanwa Osundolire, Black White takes the readers on a journey of cultural conflict and personal discovery, as the author/protagonist navigates the complexities of transitioning between two vastly different worlds. 

The book highlights some of the hurdles faced by a Nigerian immigrant in a foreign country and the harsh realities of relocation.

Speaking on the book, the author explains that it took him seven years to take the book from ideation to its present form.

“It took me seven years to transform Black White from a scrapbook into the memoir it is today. From conception to completion, it is a testament to the inherent value of living an eventful life and telling one’s story for posterity”, the author stated.

While expressing his gratitude to the Lagos State government for its approval, Ifelanwa expressed the belief that the book will serve as an inspiration to students, most especially the gifted and indigent ones, desirous of achieving goals beyond their present circumstances.

“I am delighted that Black White has been approved to be read in Lagos State Secondary Schools. I hope this book, which documents my first-hand experience studying and excelling in the UK serves as an inspiration to students, most especially gifted and indigent students who aspire for goals beyond their present circumstances,” he stated.

As the title implies, Black White focuses less on racial discord, but more on the disparities witnessed by a young man, as he moves between different environments. It explores the evolution of his identity, shaped, shifted, and reshaped by the socio-cultural influences surrounding him.

The book marks the third instalment in Ifelanwa’s published works, with some of his earlier publications including: On A Lot of Things and Inside This Big Head.