Campus News

English Dept gets 400-seater Drama Studio

By Isaac Lewu and Bashir Dawodu

The Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin has formally taken possession of the newly completed 400-seater Drama Studio for the Department of English and Literary Studies.

The facility, which inaugurated on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, was handed over to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, during a ceremony attended by other Principal Officers, Faculty members, and the project contractor, Engr Rasaq Adi.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, said the project was conceived to enhance teaching, research, and creative practice in the humanities. She noted that the facility would also promote cultural expression and strengthen the University’s reputation for academic excellence.

Prof. Egbewole emphasised that the project reflects the administration’s drive to provide world-class facilities across Faculties, assuring Nigerians  that Unilorin will continue to prioritize infrastructural development that supports both staff and students.

The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ibrahim AbdulGaniyu Jawondo, described the theatre as a landmark achievement and pledged that the Faculty would ensure its sustainability. He explained that the facility would not only serve English students but would also benefit other Departments interested in performance, literature, and cultural studies.

Prof. Jawondo further noted that the Drama Studio would bridge the gap between theory and practice in the arts, positioning the Faculty as a hub for creativity and innovation. He called on staff and students to take ownership of the project while urging management to provide all necessary support for its full utilisation.

Also speaking, the Head of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Prof. Abdullahi Kadri Ayinde, described the studio as a dream come true, saying that it would enrich students’ experiences and attract global collaborations.

In his remarks, the Director of the Physical Planning Unit, Mr. Abdulrahman Toyin Jimoh, explained that the facility was built to international standards with modern acoustics, stage lighting, and flexible performance spaces.

The contractor, Mr Adi, disclosed that the Drama Studio is a facility with front and back stages as well as a dedicated drama and dance studio. He said that durable materials and fittings were used to guarantee long-term use.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Director of Works, Engr. Ramoni Kolawole Amoo, several Heads of Department in the Faculty, and other staff members.