Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, is set to host its 34th Inaugural Lecture, which will be delivered by a distinguished scholar in African and Caribbean Drama and Theatre, Professor Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju.
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 (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the event will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige.
It will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall and commence at 2:00 PM, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM.
Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin (1985), a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan (1987), and a Ph.D. in Literature in English from the University of Ilorin (1997).
She joined AAUA on February 26, 2006, as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English Studies and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2015. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including Acting Head of the Department of English Studies, Pioneer Acting Director of Ajasin Varsity Theatre (AVT), and Pioneer Head of the Department of Performing Arts.
Beyond her academic and administrative roles, Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju has made significant contributions to theatre and performance.
She has served as Artistic Director for five Convocation Plays, two Command Performances, and approximately 20 AVT and departmental productions. Additionally, she is credited with composing the lyrics of the AAUA Anthem and facilitating the design of the AAUA flag.
Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring eight books, publishing one monograph, editing one book, and writing over 30 journal articles. She has also participated in numerous conferences in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland.
A recipient of multiple fellowships and honors, Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju has been recognized as an Edinburgh Catalyst Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, UK (2018–present). She has also received commendations from the AAUA Senate (2013) and the AAUA Management (2024) for her outstanding contributions.
Her professional affiliations include membership in the Caribbean Studies Association, Association for the Study of Worldwide African Diaspora, Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, Association of Nigerian Authors, and the Lagos Studies Association.
