The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has described the entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood, as a lucrative and fast-growing sector of Nigeria’s economy, and urged parents to support children with talent in the creative arts.
Prof. Ayodele spoke on Thursday during the 11th induction ceremony of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts at the university’s main auditorium in Ado-Ekiti. He was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Williams Oluwole Adebayo.
He said the induction of over 400 students reflected the growing influence and economic relevance of the entertainment industry, which continues to attract young Nigerians seeking careers in film and media.
“The entertainment industry has evolved into a multifaceted profession capable of creating employment and economic opportunities for youths willing to harness their talents productively,” Ayodele said.
Ahead of the ceremony, the vice chancellor received veteran Nollywood actor Bashorun Femi Branch and Priestess Solabomi Duro Ladipo, granddaughter of late theatre legend Duro Ladipo. He recalled the contributions of travelling theatre practitioners of the 1970s and 1980s, whose work laid the foundation for the industry’s current growth.
Bashorun Femi Branch, the special celebrity guest at the event, commended the university for its hospitality and said performing arts had gained both local and international recognition as a financially rewarding career.
“Unlike in the past when theatre practitioners were looked down upon, the profession is now one of the most sought-after,” he said. He appealed to parents to support children with talent in entertainment, noting that many young Nigerians had achieved global relevance and financial success through creative arts.
Branch also praised EKSU students for their performance in the film _Kiriji_, produced by actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji, parts of which were shot in Ekiti State. He pledged that future editions of industry-sponsored scholarship, mentorship, and talent development programmes would include EKSU students.
The ceremony featured a stage play, Luminous Path, performed by the inductees, and presentations to Branch and Duro Ladipo.
Also in attendance were Acting Registrar Mr. O.E. Akindele, University Librarian Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Aboyade, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. M.Y. Ojo, department heads, staff, students, and other dignitaries.
