- 4th ATAS Induction Ceremony themed “Ọkàn Kan (One Heart)” held at LASUED
- Veteran theatre icon Segun Adefila served as Chief Priest of the induction
- Cultural performances and ritual symbolism marked the formal induction
The Oluremi Tinubu Hall, Ijanikin, was transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, scholarship and artistic expression on Friday, 5th December 2025, as the Association of Theatre Arts Students (ATAS), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), held its 4th Induction Ceremony themed “Ọkàn Kan (One Heart).”
Eko Hot Blog reports that what began as a formal academic exercise quickly evolved into a powerful convergence of ritual, performance and intellectual communion, driven by the symbolic and spiritual depth of the ceremony and the electrifying presence of the Chief Priest, veteran theatre practitioner and culture-bearer, Segun Adefila.
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The hall was filled with lecturers, students, parents, cultural custodians and invited guests who gathered to celebrate creativity, identity and the enduring relevance of theatre arts in shaping society, further reinforcing LASUED’s growing reputation as an emerging cultural powerhouse.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. B. Lafiaji, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Moruf Adeniyi Shittu, described the induction as a reflection of the university’s commitment to artistic excellence and nation-building.
According to him, “this induction reaffirms LASUED’s dedication to raising disciplined, creative, and globally relevant artists,” adding that “‘Ọkàn Kan’ captures the essence of unity and shared purpose.”
Prof. Shittu congratulated the inductees and charged them to deploy their craft for societal transformation, stressing that theatre remains one of the strongest tools for shaping values and consciousness.
In his remarks, the Head of Department, Dr. Hafiz Oyetoro, noted that the ceremony represented another milestone in grooming young creatives, emphasizing that “theatre demands more than talent, it requires humility and commitment,” while describing the theme as “a reminder that unity enhances creativity.”
The Staff Adviser, Mr. Jamal Adepoju Apena, also applauded the discipline and dedication of the students, stating that “this milestone reflects your hard work,” and affirming that “ATAS thrives when we work as one.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the address and ritual leadership of the Chief Priest, Segun Adefila, founder of the Crown Troupe of Africa and one of Nigeria’s most influential contemporary theatre voices.
His presence infused the event with cultural authority and spiritual intensity, serving as a living testament to the power of theatre as activism, education and healing.
Addressing the inductees, Adefila declared that “theatre is life,” reminding them that “your duty as artists is to tell truth, heal, educate, and uplift,” while urging collective strength, noting that “no artist stands alone, your strength lies in collaboration.”
For the newly inducted members, his role went beyond symbolism, representing a creative compass and a bridge between academic training and real-world artistic relevance.
Lecturers across the department offered goodwill messages, encouraging professionalism, discipline and lifelong learning.
These sentiments were echoed by the ATAS President, Comrade Daniel Olafisoye, who expressed gratitude to lecturers, parents and rear-guards for their unwavering support.
The ceremony concluded with colourful displays of dance, drama, chants and cultural performances, culminating in the formal induction of new members into ATAS, a moment that symbolically united generations of theatre practitioners under one heart, one rhythm and one artistic destiny.
