By Mosope Kehinde

A professor of Mass Communication and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Professor Umar Pate has advised Theatre Arts practitioners to take advantage of the massive opportunities in technology to drive the sector.

Professor Pate, who gave the advise while delivering a lecture at the opening ceremony of the 60th anniversary, Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan, said harnessing full opportunities in the world of technology was the only way to make the sector relevant and ensure economic security.

He believed that every sector is in transition with emerging challenges and opportunities, hence the need to include courses relating to technology, economic and gender security in institutions’ Theatre Arts curriculum.

Professor Pate, who said the creation of a new Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, was a welcome development for the theatre art industry, urged the minister, Mrs Hannatu Musawa to synergize with major stakeholders.

Corroborating, chairman on the occasion who is an alumnus of the department, Otunba Deji Osibogun decried the decline in the acceptability of stage play and advocated for the return of children theatre practice to make the industry more interesting to younger ones.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, University of Ibadan Theatre Arts Department 60th Anniversary, Professor Duro Oni said the department was proud to produce students who have become heads of tertiary institutions and others who are making exceptional impacts in their careers.

The opening of a four day event which is expected to end this Saturday with an award ceremony had in attendance the alumnus of the department across the country.

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