There Was a Country

01The Birth of a Nation: Pre-Independence Nigeria

Born in the heart of Nigeria, in the large village of Ogidi, Chinua Achebe was a product of two worlds. His parents, devout converts to the Protestant Church Mission Society, instilled in him the teachings of Christianity. Simultaneously, his Igbo heritage, rich in oral traditions and cultural practices, was an integral part of his upbringing. This duality of cultures, the traditional and the religious, would later become a significant influence on his literary style, shaping his unique narrative voice. Achebe's academic journey began at the CMS Central School, where he was introduced to Western literature. The works of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Robert Louis Stevenson became part of his literary diet. However, his connection to Igbo oral traditions remained strong, providing a counterpoint to the Western narratives he was being taught. This balance between Western and African storytelling traditions would later become a hallmark of his writing. In 1944, Achebe's education took him to Government College in Umuahia, a school modeled after British public schools. Here, he not only honed his love for literature but also began to write stories. However, it was also here that he encountered the bias of the colonial education system, which often portrayed African cultures as primitive and inferior. This experience would later fuel his critique of colonialism in his works. Achebe's academic journey continued at the University College, Ibadan, where he initially pursued medicine. However, his passion for storytelling and African history led him to switch to English, history, and theology. His time at Ibadan deepened his understanding of the impact of colonial rule on traditional Nigerian societies, including the imposition of Western values and the marginalization of African cultures. As Nigeria moved towards independence in the late 1950s, Achebe took on the role of a radio producer at the Nigerian Broadcasting Service. He used this platform to promote Nigerian literature and music, reflecting his commitment to celebrating Nigerian culture and countering colonial narratives. Achebe's first trip outside Nigeria in 1956 further exposed him to the realities of colonial rule and racial prejudice. This experience deepened his understanding of the complexities of post-colonial African identity, a theme that would become central to his later works. In conclusion, the pre-independence era in Nigeria was a time of significant change and upheaval. For Achebe, it was a period of personal and intellectual growth. His experiences during this time shaped his worldview and influenced his literary style, leading him to become one of the most influential voices in post-colonial African literature. His works, deeply rooted in his experiences and observations, provide a critical examination of the impact of colonial rule on African societies, offering a counter-narrative to the colonial discourse.