The University of Lagos (UNILAG) once again brought its creative excellence to a wider audience with the fourth edition of UNILAG in TOWN, featuring a stirring performance of Who is Afraid of Solarin? by Emeritus Professor of Theatre Arts, Professor Femi Osofisan.
The production, which was held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, also doubled as a celebration of the playwright’s 80th birthday.
Through satire and humour, the play challenged audiences to reflect on integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership, drawing inspiration from the life and ideals of the late educationist and social reformer, Dr. Tai Solarin.
An Evening of Theatre, Music and Visual Arts
Initiated by the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS; the annual fiesta drew theatre lovers, cultural enthusiasts, alumni, members of the University community, and members of the public for an evening that celebrated Nigerian culture and sparked conversations on nation-building.
Dignitaries in attendance included the playwright, Professor Femi Osofisan; the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who was accompanied by her husband and her mother, Mrs. C. F. A. Olumide (the first female Registrar of UNILAG and sister of the late Dr. Tai Solarin), members of UNILAG Management team, staff, and students. Also present were the top echelons of the Programme’s Coordinating Faculty including the Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Professor Stephen Olu-Ibukun Olusoji; Head, Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Professor Osita Ezenwanebe; Head, Department of Fine and Applied Arts – Professor John Adenleand Head, Department of Music and Sound Production, Professor Albert Oikelome.
Dignitaries in attendance included the playwright, Professor Femi Osofisan; the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who was accompanied by her husband and her mother, Mrs. C. F. A. Olumide (the first female Registrar of UNILAG and sister of the late Dr. Tai Solarin), members of UNILAG Management team, staff, and students. Also present were the top echelons of the Programme’s Coordinating Faculty including the Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Professor Stephen Olu-Ibukun Olusoji; Head, Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Professor Osita Ezenwanebe; Head, Department of Fine and Applied Arts – Professor John Adenleand Head, Department of Music and Sound Production, Professor Albert Oikelome.
The Play: A Call to Integrity
Written by Professor Osofisan, Who is Afraid of Solarin? explores the decline of integrity in public life. The play calls for discipline, accountability, and selfless leadership, while reminding the audience of their individual and collective responsibility in building a better society.
The cast delivered a remarkable performance, earning repeated applause for their acting, choreography, and stagecraft.
VC: “Learning Must Go Beyond the Classroom”
In her remarks, Professor Ogunsola said UNILAG in TOWN was conceived to preserve and promote stories that celebrate Nigeria’s history, culture, and values, while providing a platform for the University’s creative talents to engage with society.
“Productions like Who is Afraid of Solarin? remind us of the enduring values of integrity, discipline, courage, and responsible leadership,” she stated. “This initiative reflects our belief that learning should extend beyond the classroom and inspire conversations that drive positive change.”
A major highlight of the evening came after the performance when Professor Ogunsola invited Professor Osofisan on stage. The audience rose in a standing ovation as the cast welcomed the playwright with songs and cheers in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s theatre and literature.
On behalf of the University’s Management, staff, and students, the Vice-Chancellor presented Professor Osofisan with a commemorative gift to mark his 80th birthday and honour his outstanding contributions to scholarship and national development.
Osofisan: “Progress Demands Selfless Service”
Responding, Professor Osofisan thanked the University for the honour and commended the cast and production team for bringing his work to life with passion and excellence.
He urged the audience to embrace the values in the play, noting that many of the challenges it portrays remain evident in Nigeria today.
“Meaningful national progress will only be possible when integrity, accountability, and selfless service become the foundation of leadership,” he said.
A Milestone for the Faculty of Creative Arts
This year’s edition of UNILAG in Town marked a significant milestone for the Faculty of Creative Arts, with all its departments supervising the production for the first time since the Faculty’s establishment at the beginning of the current academic session.
The evening opened with orchestral and vocal performances by students of the Department of Music and Sound Production. Students of Visual Arts also mounted an exhibition of paintings and creative works that drew admiration from guests.The Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies then closed the night with the masterful staging of Who is Afraid of Solarin?, seamlessly blending music, visual arts, and theatre into a rich celebration of creativity and the transformative power of the arts.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
