Fosudo cries out over govt neglect of performing arts sector

Veteran Nigerian actor and university lecturer, Professor Sola Fosudo, has raised serious concerns about the federal and state governments’ continued neglect of the performing arts sector, particularly the lack of functional theatre facilities for Theatre Arts graduates across the country.

Speaking in a recent interview, Prof. Fosudo, who lectures at Lagos State University (LASU), decried the failure of successive administrations to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the professional development of theatre graduates after their academic training.

“The government does not think of how to build several theatres for Theatre Arts graduates where they can work and practice after graduation,” he stated. “They built just one National Theatre at Iganmu, Lagos. So if there’s a play there, people from Agege, Iyana Ipaja and other places in Lagos would have to come to Iganmu.”

He contrasted the situation with the medical and legal professions, where the government invests heavily in general hospitals and courtrooms nationwide, creating employment and practice spaces for graduates.

Prof. Fosudo argued that the same approach should be extended to the arts, noting that developed countries that Nigerian leaders often visit make deliberate investments in cultural infrastructure, ensuring the arts sector thrives.