Soyinka to lead OAU Dramatic Arts Department’s 50th anniversary celebration

The Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a series of activities, while appealing to government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support urgent improvements to its infrastructure.

The Golden Jubilee celebration will recognise five decades of the department’s contributions to African theatre, performing arts, cultural scholarship and the development of creative talents.

The anniversary programme was unveiled during a press briefing held on November 6 at KAP Cinema in Ikeja, Lagos, where the department’s leadership and alumni highlighted its historical significance and the need to strengthen its facilities.

The Head of Department, Dr Toyin Bifarin, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s founding vision of using drama to promote human rights, civic awareness and social transformation.

Activities will officially commence on November 12 at the university’s Pit Theatre, where Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the department’s pioneer head, is expected to unveil the anniversary logo.

An anniversary lecture has been scheduled for January 12, 2027, with Professor Bode Sowande as the guest lecturer. Professor Ahmed Yerima and Paulyn Ugbodaga will moderate the panel session.

A four-day homecoming celebration and gala will also take place in 2027, bringing together alumni, theatre practitioners, cultural figures and scholars. The programme will feature a variety night, academic session, Juma’at service, campus excursions, Veterans Day, a grand anniversary dinner, fundraising activities and an interdenominational service.

Beyond the celebrations, the department’s alumni association has raised concerns about infrastructure gaps affecting its capacity to sustain quality academic and professional training.

The department, which has a capacity of about 900 students, requires the renovation of its theatre, installation of modern lighting and sound systems, improved toilet facilities and changing rooms for students and lecturers.

Other identified needs include a radio, podcast and film production studio, as well as a tour bus to support theatrical performances and other departmental activities.

The appeal comes as the department prepares to consolidate its legacy as one of Nigeria’s influential centres for theatre education and creative development.

Its establishment was shaped by the contributions of the late Professor Ola Rotimi, who laid the groundwork for its transition from the Institute of African Studies into a full academic department between 1976 and 1977. Professor Soyinka subsequently assumed leadership when the department became fully operational in 1977.

Over the decades, the institution has produced prominent figures in theatre, literature, entertainment and media, including Professor Ahmed Yerima, Dr Sola Fosudo, the late Dr Kola Oyewo, the late Dr Tejumola Olaniyan, Yemi Solade, Yemi Sodimu, Segun Arinze and Asake.

The Golden Jubilee is expected to celebrate this legacy while drawing attention to the investments required to equip the next generation of African theatre practitioners.