Renowned Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo Salami, has demonstrated strong support for arts education by donating ₦1 million to the Department of Dramatic Arts during the Student Association’s initiation ceremony, while also pledging acting opportunities to exceptional students in his forthcoming project, Seven Doors Season 2.
The intervention took place on Friday, January 23, at the department’s Pit Theatre during the initiation proper, which marked the climax of a three-day annual exercise organised to formally induct newly admitted Part I students into the Dramatic Arts Students’ Association.
Adebayo attended the ceremony as the initiation priest, a symbolic role that positioned him as a professional and moral figure for the new intakes. His presence was widely regarded as inspirational, particularly for students beginning their academic and creative journey in theatre and performance studies.
One of the major highlights of the event was his announcement that the best male and female initiates would be selected to feature in Seven Doors Season 2, scheduled for release later in the year. The announcement was met with excitement from students, many of whom described it as a rare bridge between academic training and the professional film industry.
Speaking at the event, Adebayo charged the initiates to uphold the dignity, discipline, and reputation of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He described the opportunity to study theatre arts as a privilege, urging students to embrace the responsibility that comes with representing the discipline.
He further encouraged the students to remain committed to excellence, creativity, and character, noting that the performing arts demand not only talent but also integrity, hard work, and continuous learning.
Sharing his personal journey, Adebayo reminded the audience that he holds a degree in Law but consciously chose to pursue a career in theatre and film because of the value and respect he places on the profession. According to him, passion, conviction, and belief in one’s craft are critical to long-term success in the creative industry.
His remarks resonated strongly with the initiates, many of whom face societal pressure and misconceptions about studying theatre arts. Students described his testimony as reassuring and motivating, particularly coming from an industry figure with national and international recognition.
The ₦1 million donation, department officials disclosed, will be channelled towards supporting student programmes and improving creative and performance resources. Student leaders described the gesture as timely, especially amid funding challenges confronting arts-based departments in Nigerian universities.
The initiation ceremony itself featured performances, symbolic rites, and creative displays aimed at introducing new students to the traditions, values, and communal spirit of the association. Senior students, alumni, and faculty members were present to witness the induction.
Several initiates noted that the presence of Femi Adebayo significantly elevated the importance of the ceremony, transforming it from a routine departmental activity into a defining moment in their academic lives.
Observers say Adebayo’s gesture reflects a growing synergy between Nigeria’s film industry and academic institutions, where established practitioners are increasingly investing in talent development and mentorship.
As the initiation exercise concluded, Femi Adebayo’s contribution left a lasting impact not only through financial support, but through the opportunity, encouragement, and validation offered to the next generation of Nigerian theatre and film practitioners.
