Timothy Olanrewaju
The Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA) has honoured a university don and renowned drama therapist, Prof. Taofiq Olaide Nasir, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to theatre scholarship and the development of therapeutic theatre.
Nasir, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, received the award during SONTA’s 40th Annual Conference held on Thursday, August 19, at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.
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National President of SONTA, Prof. Tunji Azeez, said the award recognised Nasir’s more than two decades of contributions to theatre scholarship, applied drama and the development of drama therapy as an academic and clinical discipline in Nigeria and Africa.
“This Lifetime Achievement Award is in recognition of Prof. Taofiq Nasir’s immense contribution to theatre, especially in the application of drama for healing,” Azeez said at the ceremony.
Nasir is regarded as a pioneer in drama therapy in Africa.
He is the first university academic in Nigeria to obtain a PhD in drama therapy, placing him at the forefront of the emerging field on the continent.
His research and professional work focus on the therapeutic application of drama and theatre techniques in addressing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, recovery from child sexual abuse, drug abuse rehabilitation and other social and psychological challenges.
He has also advocated the formal introduction of drama therapy as a course of study in Nigerian tertiary institutions, citing the growing need for trained specialists in the field amid increasing demand for innovative approaches to mental health and social intervention.
An alumnus of the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nasir is also a playwright, director and theatre technologist.
His body of creative work addresses issues including sexual abuse, drug trafficking and social justice.
Beyond academia, Nasir has held several professional leadership positions. He is a former Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and former Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
He is also a founding member of the Association of African Dramatherapists and a longstanding member of SONTA.
Nasir is equally involved in community service as an active member of Rotary Club in Nigeria.
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The award further highlights his contribution to expanding the role of theatre beyond entertainment and scholarship to include therapeutic and social interventions.