In the past, acting in Nigeria was often seen as a career choice for the unserious. However, that perception has evolved.
Today, Nollywood boasts of professionals who are not only celebrated entertainers but also respected academics and mentors shaping minds within universities.
Here’s a rundown of eight Nigerian actors who have extended their influence to the academic world:
1. Peter Fatomilola
Born on January 16, 1946, in Ifisin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Peter Fatomilola began his journey in the arts in 1967 by joining the Olokun Theatre Group under the late Professor Ola Rotimi at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
Fatomilola, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts in 1978, has also been part of the academic staff at Obafemi Awolowo University.
2. Doyin Hassan
Doyin Hassan, who began secular acting professionally in 1985, transitioned into gospel drama in 2000. He said, “I found mercy from God to cross over into the Christian Gospel drama ministry.”
Academically, he served over 14 years as a Professor of Marketing/Business Administration at Lagos State University before moving to Canada.
Hassan is currently a Full Time Professor at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Ontario, and also has a Ph.D. in Business Administration.
3. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor Kola Oyewo, born March 27, 1946, built his academic career alongside his artistic pursuits.
He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University and later obtained a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Drama from the University of Ibadan.
Oyewo said, “In 1996, I joined the services of Obafemi Awolowo University,” where he rose to the rank of senior lecturer before retiring.
He later continued his academic career at Redeemer’s University and is now with Elizade University, Ondo State.
4. Sola Fosudo
Sola Fosudo, a dramatist and filmmaker born in 1958, has seamlessly balanced academics and the arts.
Trained at both Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan, he currently serves as the Head of Department of Theatre Art at Lagos State University, where he also functions as the Director of Information.
5. Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka)
Popularly known as “Saka,” Afeez Oyetoro was born on August 20, 1963. He is well-known for his comedic roles in Nollywood.
Oyetoro holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Theatre Arts and has completed his Ph.D. at the University of Ibadan.
He lectures in the Department of Theatre Art at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education.
6. Sam Dede
Samuel Dedetoku, better known as Sam Dede, entered Nollywood in 1995 and quickly rose to fame with his role in Ijele.
He once shared, “One of my students, Yul Edochie, went on to become a lead actor in Nollywood.”
Dede, who also won the 2005 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, currently lectures at the University of Port Harcourt.
7. Tunji Sotimirin
Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, a performing artist and storyteller, teaches in the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos.
He has distinguished himself both in performance and academia, contributing immensely to Nigerian theatre.
8. Gbenga Windapo
Gbenga Windapo is a versatile playwright, actor, and lecturer. He teaches Theatre Arts at the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and has made his mark both on stage and screen.
These notable figures demonstrate that excellence in the arts can go hand-in-hand with academic distinction, mentoring new generations while still shining in their creative careers.
