Famous UITEs in the entertainment industry
The University of Ibadan has produced giants such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and others. Beyond academia, however, the school has produced a more contemporaneous generation and a thriving community of alumni in the entertainment industry. Some of them are listed below, with brief insights into their life, career and so on.
EFA IWARA
A famous alum of the University of Ibadan, Efa Iwara studied and bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He is artistically versatile as he straddles both the world of film and music. He is particularly known for his songs Fall in Love, Obandi, Enigma, Sunmobi (the latter featuring Olamide) amongst others. As well, he was a notable appearance in the popular King of Boys: The Return of the King and other singles such as Put a Ring on It, This Lady Called Life, A Naija Christmas and so on. He is a recipient of numerous awards including the 2021 Most Popular Actor by Net Honours.
BABATUNDE ADERINOYE
He is an established Nollywood actor, producer, and sports analyst. Also a product of Nigeria’s premier varsity, the University of Ibadan, he studied and graduated with a B.A. from the Department of Psychology in 2015. The Ogun-born man has acted in both Yoruba and English language-based movies alongside renowned stars like Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin) among others.
GOODNESS EMMANUEL
Graduated with an LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. She started her acting career even while on campus. After she was called to the bar, she joined the actors guild of Nigeria in 2012. Asides from being an adept actress, she is as well a skilful singer and producer, hence, the popular labelling, the total artist. The thespian has appeared in Kongi’s Harvest (the stage performance of Wole Soyinka’s play), Tribute to Broadway, Crossroads etc.
KHADIJAT ADEOLA AYOADE
Born and bred in her native city of Ibadan, Khadijat Adeola would later attend the University of Ibadan where she bagged a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts. She is an actress, a screenwriter, an entrepreneur as well as a brand influencer. Her acting career commenced in 2013 when she starred in the movie, The Reporter. She acted the lead role in the movie Ookun which was written by her. She has as well acted in movies like Ayewo and Iya Ibadan.
UCHE CHIKA ELUMELU
Another popular face on T.V. who was also UI-bred is Uche Chika Elumelu. She studied Geography from the premier university before proceeding to study Acting for Film at New York Film Academy. Currently, an actress and a budding filmmaker, Chika has starred in Africa Magic’s Unbroken, Omugwo, Atunmarilaka. She is the recipient of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards amongst others. An embodiment of versatility, she has been on TV, featured in films, appeared in musicals, and performed on stage.
MARY LAZARUS
Also among the circle of famous UI alumni is Nigerian actress, producer and model, Mary Lazarus. After graduating with a B.Sc. in Geography with a C.G.P.A of 4.4 in the institution, she delved fully into the entertainment industry. Her debut was made in the Waiting Years and has acted in several movies like Accidental Affairs and so on. She has made model appearances for commercials by Airtel and MTN. She has been nominated for the Best of Nollywood Awards, 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice and has won the City People Movie Awards.
GABRIEL AFOLAYAN
A kingpin of the entertainment industry, Gabriel Afolayan alias G-Fresh is a Nigerian actor and singer. Born to the popular entertainment icon, Adeyemi Afolayan (popularly known as Ade Love), G-Fresh is a part of the renowned Afolayan family, including his brother, the celebrated Kunle Afolayan. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan and has reified his acting ambitions in movies such as Hoodrush, F Pawon by Baba Sala, his debut. Perhaps the movie that catalysed him to a global spotlight was the Super Story Series titled NNENNA where he performed the role of ‘Akin’. Afolayan enjoys a large and willing viewership and has also been a recipient of various awards and nominations.
KAYODE EZEKIEL
Kayode Israel is also a famous thespian and an alumnus of the prestigious University of Ibadan.
