UI renames Arts Theatre after Wole Soyinka
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in his remarks soyinka said he was happy to be in the university adding that he was in a familiar environment with lots of memories1 the university of ibadan on tuesday renamed its arts theatre after nobel laureate prof. wole soyinka. the university also named the practical theatre as geoffrey axworthy studio1 soyinka was also the founding head when the school was transformed into a full department of theatre arts in 19701 speaking at the unveiling of the theatre the vice chancellor of the university prof. idowu olayinka said the event marked a landmark in the history of the university1 the vice-chancellor said the two iconic figures had played significant roles in the development of the department and the growth of performing arts in the country1 according to him the quest to rename the theatre after soyinka received the approval of the senate at its meeting in october 20171 but the honour being conferred on prof. wole soyinka today belongs to a special class1 not only is he being honoured during his lifetime he is physically present to receive it in good health of body and mind he said1 according to him the theatre was constructed in 1956 to provide a forum for performances and other forms of entertainment1 now that the arts theatre is being renamed we are hopeful that the new vision for wole soyinka theatre will be realised sooner than later with the active support of benevolent philanthropists and well-meaning corporate organisations he said1 the news agency of nigeria nan reports that axworthy was the founding director of the school of drama of the university in 19621 this is a place of memories for me i also felt contented co-honouring me with geoffrey axworthy who fought so hard to make the department what it is today1 it is very easy to forget pioneer but i have to say that our successors here have a sense of history so i must thank you all for this he said1 the nobel laureate however urged the lecturers and students of the department to continue to make it great with creative production1 you all should try and have fun like we used to and continue to make the department great with creative productions he said1 the news agency of nigeria nan reports that the 2nd geoffrey axworthy lecture entitled geoffrey axworthy and the modern nigerian theatre was delivered by prof. ahmed yerima the vice-chancellor of reedeemer university ede osun1 yerima said axworthy used his position as the director of the school of drama to influence policy development and implementation1 axworthy he said also promoted the relationship between the town and the gown1 nan reports that soyinka was a student at the university of ibadan between 1952 and 19541 he was awarded the nobel prize for literature in 19861 dignitaries at the event included prof. femi osofisan john pepper clerk dr kolade musoro and chief gbenga arulogun1