Wole Soyinka Encourages Students to Embrace Change at University Anniversary

Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka has urged students and staff at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Osun State to embrace innovation and avoid stagnation. He shared this message during the 50th anniversary celebration of the university’s Department of Dramatic Arts on Thursday.

Soyinka, who was the first head of the department, expressed his admiration for how the department and its Pit Theatre have evolved since his time. He emphasized the importance of change in the arts, stating, “Change is what art is all about,” and encouraged students to welcome new ideas.

During his speech, Soyinka paid tribute to the late Prof Ola Rotimi, who he called the true pioneer of the department. He credited Rotimi with creating an active theatre group that gained national and international recognition. Soyinka noted that he joined the department later to enhance its academic aspects.

Dr. Toyin Ogundeji, the Acting Head of the Department, described Soyinka’s presence as a significant honor. She highlighted the department’s role as more than just a classroom, calling it a “laboratory of human experience” where theory and practice come together. Ogundeji expressed the need for modernization and improvement of facilities to continue attracting talent.

As the department celebrates its 50th anniversary, Ogundeji mentioned plans to strengthen partnerships with the university, government, and corporate sponsors to support future growth and innovation.

Recently, the University of Ibadan renamed its Arts Theatre after Soyinka, and OAU has also established a museum in his honor.