The Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, the oldest department of theatre arts in Africa turns 50 in October, 2013 (i.e. next year).

The Department commenced as the School of Drama in October 1963 for a Diploma programme with an initial enrolment of 30 students and became a full-fledged Department of Theatre Arts seven years later, in October 1970, with an initial intake of three degree students. And so, come next year, our dear Department attains the golden age, and we plan to mark this golden anniversary in a spectacular way.

A whole lot of activities are being lined up, including LECTURES, SYMPOSIA/CONFERENCE, DRAMA & DANCE PRODUCTIONS, FILM SHOWS, ART EXHIBITIONS,  MUSIC CONCERTS, MERIT AWARDS, PHYSICAL RENOVATION, ANNIVERSARY DINNER OR LUNCHEON, A MASSIVE HOMECOMING OF ALUMNI.

Since it also signifies the coming of age of academic theatre in Africa, we hope to reach out to sister African universities with theatre departments to join us in our celebration. This is no doubt a very huge programme involving everyone, within and outside Nigeria, who has had anything to do with the Department in the past fifty years and is still alive today to witness the momentous event.

Although the climax of the celebration will be in October, 2013, the activities will be officially kicked off in October this year (2012) with a Press Conference (by the VC) where the major events will be unveiled.