Mabel Segun: A Legacy of Literature and Sports

In Memory of Mabel Segun: A Trailblazer at 95

Mabel Segun, a distinguished Nigerian poet, playwright, and children’s author, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in 1930 in Ondo City, Nigeria, Segun’s illustrious career spanned literature, education, broadcasting, and sports.

Segun pursued higher education at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Latin, and History. She subsequently taught these subjects in Nigerian schools and advanced to leadership roles, including Head of the Department of English and Social Studies and Vice-Principal at the National Technical Teachers’ College in Yaba.

In addition to her academic career, Segun was a prominent broadcaster, earning the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s Artiste of the Year award in 1977. She was also a trailblazer in sports, notably as Nigeria’s first female table tennis champion.

Segun was a fervent advocate for children’s literature in Nigeria. She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in 1990 in Ibadan. Her literary works include “My Father’s Daughter” (1965), “Youth Day Parade” (1984), and “The Surrender and Other Stories” (1995).

Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award in 2009 for her lifetime achievements.

Mabel Segun’s legacy as a pioneering writer, educator, and sportswoman has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s cultural and literary landscape.