Among these stars are individuals who have successfully bridged the worlds of creativity and scholarship. With a strong commitment to education, they have ventured into academia, taking up roles as lecturers and mentors in universities across Nigeria and beyond. Their presence in the classroom offers a powerful testament: that artistry and intellectual pursuit are not opposing paths but complementary forces that can inspire and transform.
Here’s a closer look at eight distinguished Nigerian actors who are also shaping the minds of future generations through teaching:
1. Peter Fatomilola
Peter Fatomilola stands as a living bridge between traditional Yoruba theatre and modern drama. Born on January 16, 1946, in Ifisin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, he hails from a lineage of cultural custodians. His formal training began in 1967 under the tutelage of the renowned dramatist Professor Ola Rotimi at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU). Fatomilola not only earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts in 1978 but also became a valued academic staff member at OAU, nurturing future generations of performers and scholars.
2. Hafiz "Saka" Oyetoro
Known affectionately as "Saka," Hafiz Oyetoro has built a beloved comedic persona in Nollywood while maintaining a serious commitment to academia. Born on August 20, 1963, he holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Theatre Arts from OAU and UI respectively, and recently completed his Ph.D. at the University of Ibadan. Currently, he lectures at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, inspiring students with lessons drawn from both the theoretical and practical worlds of performance.
3. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor and scholar, Kola Oyewo, born March 27, 1946, is a towering figure in Nigerian theatre. He began his journey at OAU, earning certificates in dramatic arts and Yoruba oral literature, before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. Pursuing higher education at the University of Ibadan, he achieved his Master's and Doctorate in Drama. Oyewo spent decades lecturing at Obafemi Awolowo University, later moving to Redeemer’s University and currently serving as a Performing Arts lecturer at Elizade University, Ondo State. His career is a testament to the enduring synergy between scholarship and performance.
4. Doyin Hassan
Doyin Hassan exemplifies the successful merger of business acumen and creative arts. Before migrating to Canada, he spent over 14 years teaching Marketing and Business Administration at Lagos State University. Armed with a Ph.D. in Business Administration and extensive teaching experience, Hassan transitioned into a new academic phase in Ontario, Canada, where he now teaches International Business Management at Conestoga College. Though best known in Nigeria's Christian film circles, Hassan's work bridges the marketplace and the ministry, with equal dedication to business education and gospel drama.
5. Sola Fosudo
A formidable presence in both academic and entertainment spaces, Sola Fosudo was born in 1958. A product of Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Master's degree in Drama, Fosudo has starred in and directed numerous Nigerian films. Today, he heads the Department of Theatre Arts at Lagos State University (LASU) and also serves as the university’s Director of Information, balancing administrative leadership with academic mentorship.
6. Sam Dede
Samuel Dedetoku, popularly known as Sam Dede, born November 17, 1965, is a versatile actor, director, politician, and lecturer. Rising to fame with the movie Ijele, Dede has carved out an illustrious career. His 2005 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Mayors is just one highlight of his storied journey. Beyond his on-screen success, Dede teaches acting at the University of Port Harcourt, where his mentorship has helped shape actors like Yul Edochie into industry leaders.
7. Tunji Sotimirin
A multifaceted artist, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin is equally comfortable on stage, behind the scenes, or in front of a class. A performing artist, director, dancer, storyteller, broadcaster, and lecturer, Sotimirin serves in the Theatre Unit of the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). His commitment to nurturing holistic performers makes him a cherished figure in Nigerian arts education.
8. Gbenga Windapo
Gbenga Windapo is a dynamic playwright, actor (both on stage and screen), and educator. He lectures at the Department of Theatre Arts at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), where he draws upon his extensive creative experience to mold the talents of aspiring thespians and dramatists.
Final Thought
These eight luminaries demonstrate that Nigerian actors are not merely entertainers but also scholars, educators, and nation-builders. Their dual roles in Nollywood and academia reflect a deep-seated commitment to excellence and the transformative power of knowledge. As they continue to inspire on screen and in lecture halls, they offer compelling proof that the arts and education are pillars of society that, when combined, can profoundly shape future generations.