NASIRU Isaac Akanji, Ph.D is a professor of Theater Arts, born on 20th June, 1948, Iwo, Nigeria. He attended Baptist Day School, Oke-Odo, Iwo, between 1954 – 1959, Baptist Secondary Modern School, Iwo, between 1960 – 1962, Government Teacher Training College, Ilesa, between 1962 – 1965 and University of Ibadan between 1969-1972 and 1973 – 1976, where he obtained B.A in English and Ph.D in Thearter Arts Programme.
WORKING EXPERIENCE:
Lecturer II, Department of English, ABU, Zaria, 1976 – 1978
Senior Cultural Officer, Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, 1978 – 1979
Lecturer I, Department of English, University of Ilorin, 1979 – 1981
Senior Lecturer, Department of Performing Arts, University of
Ilorin (Rising by promotion to Professor in Performing Arts, 1993) 1981 –to date)
Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept of English, Columbia University, New York, USA, Spring, 1986
Adjunct Associate Professor, City College, New York, USA, Spring, 1986
Fulbright Senior Research Fellow, UMBC Department of Theatre, Baltimore, USA, 1992/93
Visiting Professor, Dept of Theatre Arts, Delta State University, Jan 05 – Jan 06
Visiting Professor, Dept of Fine, Industrial and Theatre Arts, Niger, Delta University, Bayelsa State, Feb 06 to Dec 09
Visiting Professor, Dept of English and Literary Studies, Adekunle, University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Oct 11 – Sept 12
Current Employment (Contract)
Professor Theatre Programme, College of Liberal Studies, Bowen University, Iwo Osun, State, Oct 2013 to date
MAJOR STAGE PRODUCTIONS
As a complement to my theatrical career, I have staged many plays commissioned for several important occasions within and outside the University. They include:
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Music: I am an avid lover of music and make extensive use of it in my playwriting and directing. I play the tenor saxophone and have led musical groups at the University of Ilorin and Niger Delta University. I am also a member of the Choir and other singing groups of the Chapel of Redemption, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.
Sports and Games: I played active soccer, being the goalkeeper for Iwo town team from 1966 to 1970. I represented my college and university in many games, including table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball and athletics. I won a silver medal in high jump as a member of the University of Ibadan athletics team at the 1976 Nigerian University Games. I also play draughts and ayo.
Computer: I have keen interest in the computer and enjoy organizing computer literacy programmes for people of various ages.
Publishing: I own and run a publishing outfit that has the objective of encouraging reading and general learning through publishing quality books at affordable prices. It has served as an outlet for the publication of creative as well as academic works by up-and-coming authors.
Community Development: I have organized many programmes intended to develop youths in my community and encourage senior and retired citizens to live an active and fulfilling life.