When LASU treated Theatre Arts teachers to grand feast

By: Femi Olugboji

Lagos State University (LASU) and the Department of Theatre and Film Arts, Ojo, became the nexus of art and innovation, hosting the 38th International Conference and 39th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA).

The event, held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium between September 2nd and 6th, 2025, drew scholars, performers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, exploring the timely theme of “Technology, Intercultural Dialogue and the Future of the Performing Arts.” The conference served as a platform for an insightful discussion on how digital tools are redefining the performing arts.

Earlier in the day, SONTA executives paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in appreciation of her consistent support for the society and the arts. The conference was chaired by Chairman of Sparkrod Nigeria Ltd, Chief Kayode Aderinokun.

The Dean, School of Creativity, Culture and Tourism Studies, Prof. Tunji Afeez, hailed the gathering as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, while the outgone SONTA President, Prof. Gowon Ama Doki, noted that Nigeria’s creative industry holds immense potential for addressing pressing socio-cultural challenges.

In her opening remarks, LASU VC, Prof. Olatunji-Bello, welcomed participants to what she described as “the most preferred, most digitally advanced, and best state university in Nigeria.” She praised the timeliness of the theme, urging delegates to engage deeply, collaborate generously, and envision boldly.

“The future of the performing arts must be shaped with creativity, courage, and compassion,” she stressed, before formally declaring the conference open.

The keynote speaker, renowned choreographer and former Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy in Ekiti State, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, underscored the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain on the industry. He highlighted how technology has created new avenues for production and global accessibility, citing examples like YouTube and immersive digital experiences.

ALSO READ: Nigerians already suffering, new taxes will kill businesses — ADC

Building on this, filmmaker Femi Odugbemi presented a lead paper arguing that technology does not supplant culture, but rather extends it. He called for a deliberate and creative adoption of digital tools to ensure the arts remain inclusive and culturally relevant.

The annual conference of SONTA concluded on a high note with the election of Prof. Azeez as the new SONTA president. The election, a major highlight of the four-day programme, was conducted at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) following the opening ceremony. Professor Azeez’s victory signals a new chapter for the prestigious association of theatre scholars and practitioners.

The conference was a testament to the thriving academic community within SONTA. The plenary session was a particular point of interest, featuring presentations from about 250 members who delivered insightful papers on various topics. Their contributions enriched the intellectual landscape of the conference and spurred engaging discussions. The event’s success was further amplified by the attendance of a broad range of participants, including students, academics, and other guests who were present for the duration of the four-day programme.

The conference concluded with a significant awards ceremony, where SONTA recognised several distinguished individuals, including Prof. Olatunji-Bello, who was conferred with a fellowship and a Distinguished Leadership Award for her consistent support of the arts.

Other honourees included multidisciplinary artist Segun Adefila; versatile academic and practitioner, Dr. Hafiz Oyetoro; journalist, Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo; and several others who have made significant contributions to the growth of Nigerian theatre.

Beyond the academic sessions, the event was an exciting celebration of culture as attendees enjoyed live performances that showcased Nigeria’s rich heritage and took part in excursions to the Badagry heritage sites and a funfair at Suntan Beach. These activities accentuated the conference’s goal of promoting intercultural dialogue and celebrating the historical and cultural richness of Lagos.

The success of the 38th SONTA International Conference indicates the growing importance of embracing technology in order to ensure the performing arts continue to thrive in the age of technological innovations. The event left participants with new ideas and a renewed commitment to shaping a digital-forward future for the arts in Nigeria.

Olugboji is a lecturer of Department of Theatre and Film Arts, Lagos State University.