Reviving Nigerian Heritage Through Moremi Ajasoro: Student performance showcases the legendary queen and her impact on Yoruba culture

In a remarkable celebration of cultural heritage, students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently staged Moremi Ajasoro, a theatrical masterpiece showcasing themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The production served as the flagship event of the third annual UNILAG in Town cultural showcase, dedicated to rekindling African identity and promoting mental freedom among Nigerian youth.

The play captivated the audience with its unique blend of stage acting, music, and visual artistry, breathing new life into a historical tale that resonates deeply within Nigerian culture.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was in attendance, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to reshaping societal attitudes through creative expression.

“My vision has always been to liberate our minds from lingering colonial frameworks,” she shared. “We’ve gained political independence, but many still carry foreign biases against their own history.”

She warned that the lack of connection to historical narratives often breeds poor self-image among the younger generation.

“Plays like Moremi Ajasoro empower our students to see history as something honorable and inspiring,” she said.

According to an exclusive cultural feature by Educa.ng, the event drew record-breaking attendance, signaling the growing appeal of the UNILAG in Town series. Prof. Ogunsola announced that next year’s edition would expand to accommodate more departments, including opportunities for students from science-based faculties.

Veteran theatre director Adeniran Makinde praised the initiative, noting its dual impact on students as both an educational and professional development opportunity. He applauded the university for taking concrete steps to bridge academic study with artistic practice.