5 Inspiring Highlights: Prof Stephen Olusoji Appointed Dean of Creative Arts at UNILAG -

5 Inspiring Highlights: Prof Stephen Olusoji Appointed Dean of Creative Arts at UNILAG

Background & Academic Journey

Prof Stephen Olu-Ibukun Olusoji, a recognized scholar in musicology and composition, was officially appointed Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos in June 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. With a career that began at the Polytechnic Ibadan and earned advanced degrees including a Ph.D. from University of Ibadan, he brings decades of interdisciplinary experience spanning music education, composition, and African cultural research .

Leadership Role & Vision

Having served as Head of the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos since 2023, Professor Stephen Olusoji’s recent appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts represents a landmark moment for the institution’s cultural and academic development. His elevation comes at a time when the faculty is poised to expand its role in both national and continental conversations around the arts, culture, and creative education.

In his new capacity, Prof. Olusoji is expected to provide strategic direction that aligns academic programming with global best practices, while preserving the rich traditions of Nigerian and African art. His leadership will focus on expanding interdisciplinary curricula in Music, Theatre Arts, Film Studies, and Fine Art, ensuring that students are not only grounded in theory but also equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills that reflect today’s creative economy.

A core part of his vision is to foster a culture of research excellence, encouraging faculty and students alike to contribute to national and international discourse through innovative scholarship. This includes enhancing the faculty’s publishing output, research grants acquisition, and participation in global conferences and artistic exhibitions. Mentorship is also high on his agenda, with plans to launch structured mentorship programmes for early-career lecturers and high-performing students.

On the administrative front, Prof. Olusoji is committed to transparency, inclusive governance, and modernized academic processes. He has outlined plans to digitize faculty records, streamline project supervision frameworks, and improve collaboration between academic departments and administrative units. His vision also includes forging partnerships with cultural institutions, art councils, and creative industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between academic instruction and professional practice.

Through his leadership, the Faculty of Creative Arts at UNILAG is expected to emerge as a continental leader in arts education—nurturing the next generation of Nigerian and African artists, researchers, and cultural innovators.

Notable Achievements & Publications

Prof Olusoji is widely recognized for his fusion of Nigerian traditional rhythms with Western classical music forms. His groundbreaking works such as “Melo‑Rhythmic Nigeriana” and “Apala for Piano” have been performed internationally, including events like the ISCM and Stellenbosch festivals :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. He has also authored influential academic publications, including Nigerian Dances for Piano Vol.1 and co-edited volumes on African musicology.

Global Engagements

As a respected cultural diplomat and academic ambassador, Professor Stephen Olusoji has consistently positioned Nigeria on the global map of creative arts scholarship. His participation in international forums underscores not only his personal achievements but also reflects the growing relevance of the University of Lagos in global artistic and academic circles.

Over the past decade, Prof Olusoji has been a prominent figure at several prestigious global events. He notably represented Nigeria at the China–Nigeria Conference in Beijing, where he contributed to policy discussions on bilateral cultural exchange and arts collaboration between African and Asian institutions. His role in the Erasmus+ workshops in Italy focused on curriculum harmonization and intercultural teaching strategies, fostering partnerships that benefit both Nigerian scholars and their European counterparts.

In the United States, Prof Olusoji was invited to present his work at high-level seminars hosted by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, a platform that brings together leading minds in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. His presentations, which often explore the intersections between African indigenous music and contemporary pedagogy, were lauded for their originality and academic depth.

Further cementing his international standing, Prof Olusoji serves as an external examiner and academic reviewer for multiple institutions across continents. These include the University of Liverpool in the UK, the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and several West African universities where his input helps ensure quality assurance in arts education. Through these roles, he contributes to curriculum development, graduate thesis evaluation, and strategic academic planning.

His global engagements not only enhance his personal profile but also open pathways for future collaborations, student exchange programs, and joint research projects between UNILAG and world-class universities. They also reinforce his vision of building a globally competitive Faculty of Creative Arts that leverages international networks to deliver world-class education grounded in African identity.

Future Path for Creative Arts

Looking ahead, Prof Olusoji plans to expand interdisciplinary research, digital arts programmes, and industry partnerships. His vision includes community outreach, cultural entrepreneurship, and enhanced funding to position UNILAG’s Faculty of Creative Arts as a continental leader in arts education and innovation.