A distinguished professor of African and Caribbean Drama and Theatre, Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju, is set to deliver the 34th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The lecture, titled, “What Literature Told Me, What the Theatre Taught Me: Performance and Resistance Across Time and Space”, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm.
Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Performing Arts from University of Ilorin in 1985, followed by a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from University of Ibadan in1987, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literature in English from University of Ilorin in 1997.
Joining the University on Sunday, February 26, 2006, as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English Studies, Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju ascended through the ranks, achieving the revered position of a professor in 2015.
Apart from her primary role of teaching and researching, Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju has served the University in various capacities, including, Acting Head of Department of English Studies, Pioneer Acting Director of Ajasin Varsity Theatre, AVT, and the pioneer Head of the Department of Performing Arts.
She has also served as Artistic Director for five Convocation Plays, two Command Performances, and about 20 AVT and departmental project plays. She is the composer of lyrics of AAUA Anthem, and facilitator of the AAUA flag.
Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju’s academic career is evidenced by contributions to eight books, publication of one monograph, editing one book, and publication of over 30 articles in learned journals. She has attended several local and international conferences, including in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Switzerland.
She is a recipient of many fellowship, award and honour, including the Edinburgh Catalyst Fellow, University of Edinburgh, UK (2018 to date), Commendation by the Senate of AAUA in 2013, and another award by the AAUA Management in 2024.
Her professional membership includes, Caribbean Studies Association, Association for the Study of Worldwide African Diaspora, Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, Association of Nigerian Authors, and Lagos Studies Association.
