Alex Chinwuba Asigbo
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| Alex Chinwuba Asigbo | |
|---|---|
 Alex asigbo.jpg Asigbo at the 2024 Nnamdi Azikiwe University convocation ceremony | |
| Born | 12 November 1969 Oroma Etiti Anam, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| 🏫 Education | University of Port Harcourt University of Ibadan |
| 💼 Occupation | Professor, playwright, theatre director |
| Known for | Theatre studies, playwriting and performance studies |
| Office | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Nnamdi Azikiwe University |
Alex Chinwuba Asigbo (born 12 November 1969) is a Nigerian professor of theatre and performance studies, playwright, theatre director and academic administrator. He is a professor in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. In February 2026, he was elected Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the university.[1][2]
Early life and education
Alex was born in Oroma Etiti Anam in Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended Hope Rising Primary School and Anam High School before studying Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt. He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, specialising in playwriting.[1]
He obtained a master's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1997 and later completed a PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies at the same university in 2008.[3]
While studying at the University of Port Harcourt, Alex was editor-in-chief of the Association of Theatre Arts Students and also edited the University of Port Harcourt Mirror, the official magazine of the university's Student Affairs Department.[1]
Academic career
Alex began his academic career in theatre studies and has worked as a lecturer, researcher and university administrator. He has also taken part in the development and assessment of theatre programmes in Nigerian universities.[4]
At Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Alex served as dean of the Faculty of Arts from 2012 to 2014. He later became director of the Centre for Arts, Culture and Humanities and also served as director of the university's TETFUND Implementation Committee. He was head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies from 2017 to 2019.[1]
He also spent periods outside UNIZIK. From 2009 to 2010, he was on sabbatical at Nasarawa State University, where he helped establish the Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies. In 2019, he went on sabbatical to Adekunle Ajasin University, where he served as head of the Performing Arts Department.[1]
The National Universities Commission has used Alex's expertise in accreditation exercises for theatre and arts programmes at Nigerian universities. The commission's directory of full professors records him as a professor of Theatre Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and states that he became a full professor in 2009.[3]
In February 2026, the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University elected Asigbo deputy vice-chancellor (academic). At the time, he was serving as director of UNIZIK Commercial Ventures and had previously served as dean of the Faculty of Arts.[2]
Theatre and writing
Alex's work covers playwriting, directing, performance studies, theatre criticism and actor training. His published plays include Fate of an Orphan, Obidike: The Last Warrior, Once Upon a School, War of the Tin Gods and The Reign of Pascal Amusu.[1]
His 2008 play War of the Tin Gods has been the subject of academic research. A 2022 study compared the play with Aristophanes' Frogs and examined its use of satire in discussing Nigerian society and political conditions.[5]
Alex has also written academic works on Nigerian theatre, performance, culture and film. His research has included subjects such as Nollywood, actor training, traditional Igbo theatre, gender violence, masquerade performance and the relationship between theatre and national development.[1]
He has published articles in Nigerian and international journals and has contributed chapters to books on theatre and cultural studies. In 2024, Alex served as an editor for an issue of Africa Update devoted to drama, performance and Nigerian creative work.[6]
Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists
Alex became involved in the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), the professional association for Nigerian theatre scholars and practitioners. He served in several positions in the organisation before becoming its president in 2017.[7]
He was elected the ninth president of SONTA at the organisation's 2017 conference in Port Harcourt. After his election, Alex said his priority was to strengthen the organisation and improve collaboration among theatre scholars.[4]
During his presidency, SONTA entered into a production agreement with Plume and Partners Limited in 2020. The agreement was valued at ₦1 billion and involved theatre departments from universities and colleges of education in Nigeria in the production of films, documentaries and campus series.[8]
Alex also took part in discussions about theatre education and the development of creative arts programmes in Nigerian universities.[9]
Awards and recognition
Alex received the SONTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 for his contribution to theatre scholarship and practice in Nigeria.[10]
He received the Professional Excellence Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in 2013 and other professional and community awards.[1]
In May 2026, Alex received the Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence for his contribution to education. The award was presented during the sixth edition of the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards in Awka.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo". Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "UNIZIK elects Asigbo, Osisioma new Deputy Vice-Chancellors". The Sun Nigeria. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Directory of Full Professors in the Nigerian University System (PDF) (Report). National Universities Commission. 2021. p. 125. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "'I'll build bridges for stronger SONTA'". The Nation. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ Idogho, Joseph; Asuquo, Nsikan Bassey (2022). "Alex Asigbo's War of the Tin Gods and Aristophanes' Frog: A Textual Analysis and Comparison". ResearchGate. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ "Vol. XXXI, Issue 3: Summer 2024 Drama, Performance and New Voices in Nigeria". Central Connecticut State University. 12 August 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ "An Acceptance Speech by Prof. Alex Asigbo". National Institute for Cultural Orientation. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ Olokor, Friday (27 March 2020). "SONTA, creative firm sign N1bn theatre production deal". The Punch. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ NUC Weekly Bulletin, 13 May 2019 (PDF) (Report). National Universities Commission. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ "Nigerian Theatre Scholars Decorate Executive Secretary, NICO". National Institute for Cultural Orientation. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
- ↑ "UNIZIK DVC Prof. Asigbo bags Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence". Nnamdi Azikiwe University. 18 May 2026. Retrieved 4 October 2026.
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