Use applied theatre to transform nation, Prof. Dugga urges authorities

Victor Samson Dugga, a professor of applied theatre and social change at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia),has urged governments, at all levels, to use theatre arts as a vehicle for “social change, personal growth and community development.”

Applied theatre refers to the practice of using theatre-based techniques as tools to discover and learn, to explore issues of concern to communities, to identify problems and actively rehearse solutions and to provoke and shape social change.

Dugga, the Dean of the FULafia Postgraduate School, gave the charge while delivering the 15th professorial inaugural lecture of FULafia.

His lecture, titled: “Applied Theatre: The Science of Individual and Community Transformation,” was held at the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.

Dugga, one of the pioneer lecturers at the Department of Theatre and Media Arts, FULafia, gave an insight into his academic journey, saying that “one of the primary goals of applied theatre is to bring about social change.”

He posited that applied theatre “addresses issues such as racism, inequality, gender discrimination, poverty, through storytelling, role-playing and other theatrical techniques.”

Dugga said that “my experience of applied theatre is just one of hundreds in Nigeria,” adding: “This highlighted to me the need for deeper reflection and introspection of the several contents and contexts of the application of theatre in Nigeria.”

The professor of theatre and social change pointed out that “the academic field is a diverse field that encompasses various theatrical practices used in non-traditional settings, often involves interactive and participatory performances, workshops, and interventions in communities, schools, prisons, healthcare settings and more.”

While calling on the government to approve applied theatre as a full degree programme in Nigerian universities, he said that “researchers should be encouraged to use qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the impact or outcomes of applied theatre projects as much as the process itself.”

He recommended the need to engage the growing theoretical understanding of the application of theatre to social development.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, who was the chairman of the event, earlier in his address, said that Dugga was the first professor to present his inaugural lecture in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts of the University.

Abdul Rahman, while congratulating Dugga and his family, applauded him for “demonstrating excellent performance in his capacity as the Dean, Postgraduate School of FULafia.

Also speaking, the co-chairman of the event and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, represented by Prof. Pic Onwochei, the Chairman Inaugural and Valedictory Lecture Series Committee of the University of Jos, described Dugga as a worthy ambassador of the University.

He commended him for his contributions to the development of the institution, congratulating him on the presentation of his inaugural lecture.

Welcoming participants to the occasion, Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairperson, Inaugural Lecture Committee of FULafia, represented by Dr Ahmed Muhammed Rabiu, said that Dugga’s contributions to knowledge have not only added value to theatre and media arts students but serve as panacea to the daunting challenges faced in Nigeria and the world at large.

Rabiu thanked the vice-chancellor for supporting the committee, commending guests for gracing the occasion.

The lecture was attended by many dignitaries including the vice-chancellors of the Federal University, Lokoja, and Benue State University, Makurdi, the Aare Eggon, Zhe Migili, Chun Mada, clergymen, staff and students from various universities in Nigeria.

The occasion climaxed with the presentation of certificate, plaque and gift to Dugga by Abdul Rahman.