OAU Drama Dept Set to Celebrate 50th Anniversary, Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Development
Yinka Olatunbosun The Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of shaping African performance, indigenous scholarship, and
The Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife is preparing to commemorate its 50th anniversary, highlighting its pivotal role in African cultural development. Founded in the mid-1970s by Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka, the department is renowned for fostering African performance, indigenous scholarship, and cultural activism.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Toyin Bifarin, the current Head of Department, emphasized the Golden Jubilee as an opportunity to reflect on the department's founding principles, using drama to promote human rights, civic awareness, and social transformation. The anniversary will be marked with a series of events, starting with a press conference on November 12, unveiling of a new official logo, and an anniversary lecture by Prof. Bode Sowande on January 12, 2027.
A four-day celebration in the first quarter of 2027 will feature a variety of activities, including a homecoming gala, academic sessions, and a grand gala dinner, aiming to bring together alumni, cultural icons, and scholars from around the world. However, the department faces significant challenges due to its infrastructure deficit, with a capacity of only 900 students.
Urgent calls are being made for government, corporate support, and distinguished individuals to help renovate the theatre, install modern lighting and sound equipment, and develop facilities such as a radio, podcast, and film studio, as well as providing transportation for performances.
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