The University of Ibadan (UI) has decided to honour one of its distinguished alumni, Dr. Olateju Wasee Kareem, for his outstanding achievements in the field of technical theatre, art entrepreneurship and business.
Dr. Kareem is the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zmirage Multimedia Company, a leading technical theatre company in Nigeria.
Dr. Kareem graduated from the Department of Theatre Arts, UI, in 1986 as the best student in scenography and lighting design. He has since then made remarkable footprints in his practice of over four decades, producing creative contents for live theatre, musicals, film and other showbiz projects. He is also known for his role as the Artistic Director of the African Drum Festival and the Executive Producer of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE).
The honour is part of the activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Department of Theatre Arts, UI, which is regarded as the flagship of theatre scholarship and practice in Nigeria. The department was established in 1963 by Professor Wole Soyinka, who later became Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.
The 60th anniversary celebration will take place from Wednesday, August 23 to Saturday, August 26, 2023, and will feature a conference, a mentorship session, performances, a homecoming meeting and an award night. Dr. Kareem and some other selected alumnae will be conferred with the Special Recognition Award at the award night, which will hold at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, UI, by 3pm on Saturday.
In a letter sent to Dr. Kareem by the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for the UI Theatre@60 celebration, he was commended for his immense contributions to the development of the department and theatre practice in general. The letter was signed by Professor Duro Oni, Chairman CPC and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, and Dr Bashir Akande, Acting Head of the Department.
Dr. Kareem has also received praise from his colleagues and associates in the theatre industry for his achievements and recognition. Professor Niyi Coker Jnr, Director of The School of Theatre, Television & Film at San Diego State University, USA, wrote: “Dr. Kareem walks this path with unparalleled grace and tenacity. A master of theatre technology, Dr. Kareem has unravelled the mysteries of light and sound to create spectacular theatrical experiences for audiences across the globe.”
Dr. Kareem expressed his gratitude to the department for the honour and dedicated it to his mentors and teachers who shaped his career. He also thanked his family, friends and staff for their support and encouragement over the years.
He said: “I am humbled and honoured by this recognition from my alma mater. It is a great privilege to be among the distinguished alumni who have contributed to the growth and development of theatre arts in Nigeria and beyond. I owe this honour to my mentors and teachers who inspired me to pursue my passion and vision in technical theatre. I also appreciate my family, friends and staff who have been with me on this journey. I dedicate this award to them all.”