Students of the Performing and Film Arts (PFA) Department at the University of Ilorin have been lauded for their outstanding performance in the stage adaptation of Argungu, a book written by UK-based Nigerian lawyer and playwright, Abubakar Orisankoko. The play, performed by 300-level students as part of their academic course, PFA 343 (Theatre Administration and Studio Management), brought the historical and cultural narrative of the Argungu kingdom to life.
The premiere took place at the PFA Theatre in the presence of an audience comprising the book’s author, his family, academics, legal practitioners, media executives, and business leaders. Speaking after the performance, Orisankoko praised the students for their exceptional portrayal of the characters and narrative. “When a playwright pens down lines, it’s always scary to trust others to bring that vision to life. Today, however, I am incredibly happy because the students exceeded my expectations. They nailed the performance, especially considering their age and experience,” he said.
Orisankoko revealed that the play’s manuscript was developed during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Kebbi State in 2007 and was later nominated for an award in 2008. He dedicated the students’ performance to his late wife, Muyibat Folashade Orisankoko, who had encouraged him to pursue the project. Highlighting the play’s central lesson of self-belief and resilience, he remarked, “History of the Kebbi kingdom was almost extinct, but Yakubu Nabame revived it, birthing the Argungu kingdom. That’s a lesson for us all—identifying and leveraging our inner strength.”
The author announced plans to tour the play across academic institutions in northern Nigeria and called on northern leaders, particularly those in Kebbi and Sokoto States, to support the project for its historical and cultural significance. He also commended the cast and crew, including Professors Segun Oyeleke Oyewo and Kazeem Rufai-Ahmad, urging both national and international recognition for their efforts in preserving and celebrating Nigerian history and culture through theatre.