Wole Soyinka Encourages Innovation at OAU Theatre Anniversary

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka addressed students and staff at the Department of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the department's 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday. As the special guest of honour, Soyinka encouraged attendees to embrace innovation and avoid stagnation, stating that change is essential in art.

He reflected on the department's transformation since its inception, which he was part of as its pioneer head, and praised the late Prof Ola Rotimi for his foundational role in establishing an active theatre group. Acting Head of the Department, Dr Toyin Ogundeji, described Soyinka's presence as a spiritual and intellectual homecoming, highlighting the department's dual role as a conventional classroom and a laboratory for human experience.

She noted the need for modernization and infrastructure upgrades to maintain the department's status as a leading theatre training institution in Nigeria and Africa.