By Gabriella Ogbu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, has announced plans to help the Department of Performing Arts establish a film village. Prof. Egbewole made this commitment during the opening of the 499 final year project performance, “Agudua,” held on Tuesday at the university’s Performing Arts Theatre.
Prof. Egbewole stated that the creation of the film village would significantly enhance the department’s global visibility and boost the university’s internal revenue (IGR). He expressed his gratitude to the department’s faculty and students for their steadfast dedication since the department’s inception in 1985.
“In the near future, I hope that people will pay to see various performances by the students,” Egbewole remarked, highlighting the potential for the department to generate revenue through its performances. He urged the department to develop a plan that would make the course profitable for both the university and the department.
Prof. Segun Oyewo, head of the Department of Performing Arts, acknowledged the exceptional support provided by the Vice Chancellor and his management team in achieving this significant milestone. He credited their assistance for the recent renovations to the Performing Arts Theatre.
The 499 final year project performance, which boasts a rich artistic history dating back to 1985, originally started with five groups of 18 students. It has since expanded to include 18 groups performing over 18 days. Prof. Oyewo noted that the theater has been attracting significant patronage and, with continued administrative support, aims to become a premier destination for theater entertainment in Nigeria and Africa.
