BIOGRAPHY
Nkemdirim Olubunmi Adedina is the Ag. Head of Department and Associate Professor of Drama in Education and Children’s Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Lagos State University of Education. She is a beacon of inspiration in the Department of Theatre Arts. She began her discovery of theatre at an early age through her vibrant and active participation in the drama club during her secondary school education. This was the beginning of a captivating and unfolding experience that became the foundation for her theatrical experiences. Her early years in the theatre were a tapestry of exploration, discovery, and experimentation where she has become a passion-driven theatre professional. In pursuit of her artistic inclination, she attended the prestigious University of Ibadan, where she obtained a Diploma in Theatre Arts in 1992. Her insatiable quest for self-development spurred her to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts where she bagged a B. A (Hons) with a second class upper in 1996, still in the University of Ibadan. This was topped with an M.A., in the same field of study in 1999 where she came tops with a Ph.D. grade. Armed with a formidable arsenal of skills in theatre Practice and her desire for self-development, she embarked on her Ph.D. in Theatre Arts and graduated in 2016 in her specialised field from her number one choice of institution, the University of Ibadan. To become a thorough professional teacher, she bagged a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos in 2004.
Bunmi is a versatile theatre practitioner. She has many stints on stage, television, and radio in directing, acting, costume, and make-up and theatre management. She has acted in plays for the radio, directed many plays for the stage, participated in television commercials and radio jingles, and featured in television series and feature-length films. She left indelible marks on scores of productions she graced in her university days from class productions to grand theatrical and spectacular outings in Kakaun Sela, an acting company by renowned dramatist, Prof. Femi Osofisan. Her versatility and dedication earned her accolades and recognition from audiences and coursemates. She discovered the transformative power of education at an early age and this was an inspiration that ignited the spark to impact the next generation of Theatre artists. Thus, she was drawn to academia where she could ignite the spark of creativity in young talents. She brought her unique blend of artistry into the classroom where she is a front liner in encouraging her students to reinvent and recreate themselves by exploring depths of creativity. This has been her core objective as a lecturer in the legacy college (Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin) now transmuted to Lagos State University of Education, for over two decades of teaching experience, rising from Lecturer 111 to Chief Lecturer position. Beyond the confines of the classroom, she has engaged in school developmental programmes, particularly in Drama in Education and Children’s Theatre which are her areas of interest. She has on many occasions launched drama as a tool to bridge educational divides and attain new narratives for young learners irrespective of class, social status, age, gender, religion, and general outlook on life.
Bunmi Adedina has displayed proven administrative and leadership skills in her present working environment, where she has served as three tenure Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Chairman, Secretary and member of various Committees and is presently a member of the of the University Senate by virtue of her designation and position. Since the inception of the University, she has been appointed to managerial and administrative positions as Ag. Head of Department, Ag. Dean (on two occasions), Member, of the University Ceremonies Committee, Chairman of the University Students Disciplinary Committee, Chairman, of the College of Humanities Staff Welfare Committee, A three tenure head of Department in the legacy College and now the Ag. Head of Department, Lagos State University of Education, and served in various capacities as chairman, secretary, and member of Committees. She has contributed immensely to institutional and Departmental growth by jointly working with other colleagues to build an enviable Theatre Arts Department from the hay days.
As a scholar, Bunmi Adedina has a lot of publications to her credit. These publications include three theses, books (plays and a collection of short stories for children), chapters in books, and journal articles. She has attended and participated in many Seminars, Conferences, and Workshops at national and international levels. She has been a regular Teaching Practice supervisor every year since 2003 and has supervised many students in their Long essays and research for the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and students of affiliated degree programmes in the legacy College. She has served as a resource person in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts, Lagos State University for Children’s Theatre/ Puppetry workshops where she is presently on sabbatical. She is a Fellow of Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (FIIAS). Bunmi Adedina is endowed with the potential to organise, coordinate, and manage both human and physical resources. She is honest, hardworking, creative, and down to earth. She can work with little supervision, is open to constructive criticism, and can take initiative when the situation demands. Above all, she is a team player who believes strongly in harnessing people’s potential to achieve a common goal. She is happily married with children.
i. Adedina, N.O. (2016). “Effect of Dama-in-Education Strategy on Academic Performance of Public Primary School Pupils in Lagos State, Nigeria”. A thesis submitted in the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
ii. Adedina, N.O (2004). Investigation into Apathy of Students towards the study of Theatre Arts. A thesis submitted to the Lagos State University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
iii. Nwosu, Nkemdirim Roseline, (1999) Marketing in an Educational Theatre. A thesis submitted to the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, as a Requirement in Partial Fulfilment of the Award of Masters Degree
iii. Nwosu, Nkemdirim Roseline, (1996).
Publicity as a Panacea in Educational Theatre. A thesis submitted to the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, as a Requirement in Partial Fulfilment of the Award of B.A.(Hons)
i. Bunmi Adedina (2023). Alone. Pp 1-56. Poetry and Visual Art, https://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/writing-woman-anthology-poetry-and-visual-art
https://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/writing-woman-anthology
Personal Essays and Short Stories
ii. Bunmi Adedina (2021). ’Tara (A Play). Ibadan: Kraft Books Limited.
ISBN 978-978-918-694-5, Pp.1-56.
iii. Arike ’Dina (Pen name) (2016). Folktales of our land. Lagos: Gazelle Books.
ISBN: 978-978-54167-2-4. Pp 1-47.
iv. Bunmi Adedina (2015). Homecoming and Other Plays. Lagos: Gazelle Books.
ISBN: 978-978-54167-4-1. Pp.1-110.
iii. Chapters in Book
i. Adedina N.O. & Victor ’Tunji Taiwo (2021). “The Playwright as a Social Commentator: A Focus on Basil Wikina’s Ressurection of the Dead. The Fusion of Arts, Culture and Education for National Integration (ed. Chris Omotosho). A Festschrift for Dr Basil Ledogo Wikina. Abeokuta: Department of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State. ISBN: 978-997-177-0. Pp. 46-64
ii. Adedina, N.O., Bolaji, E.T. and Ojuade, J.O. (2017) “Film Language and Society in a Digital Age. Inside Nollywood (Issues and Perspectives on Nigerian Cinema). (Eds.) Sola Fosudo and Tunji Azeez. New York: Franklin International Publishers.
ISBN: 13: 347-0-536-43844-6 Pp 386-400.
iii. Adedina N.O (2015) “Communication, Creative Arts and Early Learning”. The Dynamics Arts of the theatre. Wikina, B. and Omotosho, C. (Eds.). The Dynamic Arts of the Theatre. Essays in Commemoration of 10th Anniversary of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta. Ibadan: Basil Wikina and Christ Omotosho.
ISBN: 978-978-862-246-2Pp. 122-130.
iv. Adedina, N.O & Adedina, F.A (2013). ”Church Drama as a Tool for Children’s Moral Development”. In Adedina, F. and Bolaji, E.(Eds.). Religion and National Development. Festschrift In Honour of Dr. Lateef. O. Jimoh. Lagos: Gazelle Books.
ISBN: 978-978-50789-1-6. Pp.101-114.
v. Adedina, N.O (2008). ”Developing Communication Skills: A Theatrical Approach”. In.Okwilagwe,O.A.(Ed.). Encyclopaedia of Mass Media and Communication (ed). Ibadan Stirling-Holden Publishers Limited, Nigeria.
ISBN: 978-978-032-113-0 pp.345-354
vi. Adedina, N.O & Adedina, F.A. (2008). ”Stemming the Tide of Child Abuse: Theatre as Communicative Tool”. ln Mojaye,E.M., Oyewo, O.O., M’bayo. R. Sobowale, I.A. (Eds.). Globalization and Development Communication in Africa.Ibadan: University Press.
ISBN:978-121-441-4. Pp.191-203.
vii. Adedina, N.O (2007). ”Improvisation as a Propellant for Creativity in Children’s Theatre”. ln Adedina, F.,Bolaji E., Enima A. and Adeniyi, B. Theatre and Nigerian Schools. Nigerian Schools (A Book of Readings).
ISBN: 978-30994-4-1-8. Pp.29-38
i. Adedina, N.O. & Femi Adedina (2024). “Grooming Teachers in Training for the Practice of Children’s Theatre in a Digital Age”. Advanced Journal of Theatre and Film Studies (AJTFS). http://doi.org/10.57040/ajtfs.v2i1.615. Pp. 2-9
ii. Loko, O.O & Adedina, N.O. (2022). “Embracing Music Intervention as Stimulus for Children’s Learning”. Journal of Nigerian Music Education No.14 (2022) P. 304-321. https://www.nigerianjournalsonline.com
iii. Femi Adedina & Adedina, N.O. (2022). The Playwright as a Satirist in Selected Plays of Ola Rotimi. University of Uyo Journal of Humanities (UUJH). Vol. 26.No.2. Pp. 160-171. www.uujh.org
iv. Adedina, N.O. (2022). “Leadership in Corruption and Corrupt Leadership: Revisiting Who’s Afraid of Solarin? By Femi Osofisan”. The Griot, Journal of the West African Association of Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies.
ISSN: 2735-9190, Pp. 16-32, Vol.4, 2022.
v. Adedina, N.O. (2021). Drama in Education: Stimulating Learning Preparedness among Primary School Pupils”. OPANBATA, LASU Journal of African Studies. ISSN: 1118-1311 Vol 9, No 2. Pp. 90-100. July 2021 https://www.lasujournalofafricanstudies.org.ng
vi. Adedina, N.O. (2021). “Reflections on Children’s Theatre Performances: A Focus on Department of Theatre Arts, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos. History, Education, Society and Unionism (HESAU), Journal of Department of History, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos, in conjuction with the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State. ISSN: 978-978-987-361-6. Vol.2., No.1. Pp.183-195.
vii. Victor ’Tunji Taiwo & Adedina N.O. (2020), Ritual of ‘Ibale’ (Virginity) at the Footpath of Fate in Nigerian Films: Gender Issues in Tunde Kelani’s Film ‘The Narrow Path’. Ife Journal of Languages and Literatures (IJLL).
ISSN: 2467-8635. Vol.6. No.1. Pp. 339-357. June 2020
viii. Adedina, N.O., Arebamen Emmanuel & Ekene Blessing (2020). “Learning Through Entertainment: An Advantage to Children’s Theatre (A Focus on Scribbles). JOWICEA, A Multidisciplinary Journal of Women in Colleges of Education, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.
ISSN: 1597-5428. Vol. 3. No. 1. June 2020. Pp. 68-78.
ix. Adedina, N.O & Oyetoro, H.A. (2020). “Reinstating Extinct Cultural Practices: A Study of Olobonbori Performance. The CRAB, Journal of Theatre & Media, Department of Theatre & Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. ISSN: 2006-0157. No.15. June 2020. Pp. 276-294
x. Epochi-Oliseh E.R. & Adedina, N.O. (2020). “Help for the Girl-Child: Making a Difference through Participatory Theatre for Development”. International Journal of Current Research in the Humanities (IJCRH). Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Arts, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. https://crhjounals.org
P-ISSN: 0855-9740, E-ISSN: 2773-837X. No. 24. Pp.435- 452.
xi. Adedina, N.O. & Epochi-Oliseh E.R. (2020). “Nigeria Female Writers and Children’s Literature: History, Roles and Contributions. Hallmark University Journal of Management & Social Sciences (HUJMSS).
ISSN: 2705-358X. 2. No.1. Feb 2020. Pp. 200-207.
xii. Adedina, N.O. (2019). “ Ebibi Festival: A Critical Appraisal of Performance and Thematic Relevance to African Societies. AKETE, Journal of Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University. ISSN: 2795-2533 Vol. 1,No.1. Pp. 101-115. Dec, 2019
xiii. Adedina, N.O & Oyetoro, H.A (2016). “ Entertainment: Succour to Health care. In Continuing Education Review (CER).In Journal of Directorate of Degree Programme.
ISSN: 1595-4897. Vol. 4. 2016.. Pp. 249-255.
xiv. Adedina, N.O . (2015). “Training the Trainer: Preparing Teachers for Effective 26. Implementation of Drama in Education as Methodology”. In Journal of Capital Development in Behavioural Sciences. A Bi-annual Publication of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.
ISSN: 2449-0679.Vol.3. Nos. 1 & 2. Pp.87-99.
xv. Adedina, N.O.Adinku, G.U & Bolaji, E.T. (2013). “The women of Osofisan: Beyond fiction”. In International Journal of Physical and Human Geography. 1. (2).
ISSN: 2052-6377. Pp.59-66.
xvi. Adedina, N.O (2012). “Storytelling and Early Learners’ Educational Development: An Experiment”. In Journal of Early Childhood and Primary Education. ISSN: 2354-3930. Vol.1.No.1. Pp. 132-142.
xvii. Adedina, N.O & Bolaji, Ezekiel. (2012). “Integration of Drama and Audio-Visual Media Approach to Children’s Language Skills Acquisition and Learning”.In Journal of Studies in Humanities, Tai Solarin University of Education (JOSIH). . ISSN: 119-5266. Vol. 4. Pp. 99-109
xviii. Adedina, N.O & Bolaji, Ezekiel (2010). “Aroko Among the Yoruba: Its Communicative Value.In African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge”.
ISSN: 2276-7959. Vol. 1.No.1. pp.34-40
xix. Adedina, N.O & Bolaji, Ezekiel. (2009). “Teaching and Learning of Drama and Theatre in Distance Learning”. In Sandwich Review (SER). ISSN: 1595-4897. Vol. 10.. Pp.112 -120
xx. Adedina, N.O, Bolaji, Ezekiel & Oyetoro, Hafiz (2008). “Preparing Quality Teachers for the Challenges of the 21st Century Education: The Role of Drama Techniques”. In Journal Educational Research and Development. (JERD). 118-7019Vol. 4. No.1. Pp.7 -12
xxi. Adedina, N.O (2007). “Puppetry: Values and Contribution to Early Childhood Education”. In Journal of Arts and Social Sciences.(JASSLINK). ISSN: 0795-3055. Vol.9. No.1. Pp.157-165
xxii. Adedina, N.O (2005). “Techniques and Strategies of Re-inventing Theatre Management in an Educational Theatre”. In Journal of School of Languages [JOSLAN] Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto – Ijanikin.
ISSN: 1118-4817. Vol. 1. No.7. Pp. 116-124
xxiii. Adedina, N.O (2004). “Re Engeneering Educational Theatre: Publicity as a Panacea”.
In Nigerian Education Review (NER).
ISSN: 0795-8161. Vol. 9. No. 1. Pp.183-194.
xxiv. Adedina, N.O (2000). “Theatre as Celebration in Traditional African Society: A Case Study of Ogudu Festival in Amokpu Nkpa Abia State”. In Nigeria. Journal of Arts and Social Sciences [JASSLINK] 6. No.1. .Pp.159 – 167