Ajume Wingo

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Ajume Wingo is a Cameroonian political and social philosopher currently serving as an associate professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Born into the Nso Royal Family in the North West Region of Cameroon, his title of Shey Ntumfon (Emissary of the Fon) reflects his role in overseeing non-Nso organizations that benefit the Nso community.

Contents

Background

Hailing from Nso, a kingdom located in the North West Province of Cameroon, Ajume Wingo is a member of the Nso Royal Family. His title Shey Ntumfon (Emissary of the Fon (or King)) charges him with oversight of non-Nso organizations and institutions that enhance the interests of the people of Nso in Cameroon and worldwide. Wingo received much of his early education from Christian and Muslim missionaries, and from a Bedouin teacher (whose title of Mallam Gargari translates to "invincible teacher") known for his toughness and draconian style of discipline.

He later attended Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili where he studied history, economics and geography and the University of Yaounde where he studied law and economics. Upon emigrating to the United States, he obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of California Berkeley, and received his master's degree and PhD from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

In May 2024, Ajume Wingo received the 2024 Thomas Jefferson University Prize.[https://www.rfi.fr/fr/culture/20240519-le-professeur-camerounais-ajume-wingo-r%C3%A9compens%C3%A9-par-le-prix-am%C3%A9ricain-thomas-jefferson Culture Le professeur camerounais Ajume Wingo récompensé par le prix américain Thomas Jefferson]

Education

Wingo's early education was diverse, influenced by Christian and Muslim missionaries as well as a strict Bedouin teacher. He attended Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili, focusing on history, economics, and geography. He later studied law and economics at the University of Yaounde.

After emigrating to the United States, Wingo earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California Berkeley. He went on to complete both his Master's degree and PhD at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Career

Prior to his position at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Wingo held numerous distinguished positions:

At the University of Colorado at Boulder, Wingo teaches courses in political and social philosophy. He previously served as the director of the Center for Values and Social Policy.

Philosophical Work

Wingo's research centers on the analysis of non-liberal or corrupt democratic states, with a particular emphasis on contemporary African states. His work often explores themes of African art, aesthetics, and culture, frequently contrasting them with Western practices. His key philosophical interests include:

Publications

Wingo is a prolific author of books, articles, and encyclopedia entries:

Extended Bibliography

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