Institute of Cultural Studies, Beside Pit Theater, OAU, Ile-Ife.
Mon - Fri 08:00-16:00
+2348037276386
Looking for an Institution with rich African cultural heritage achieves?
The first Director of the former Institute of African Studies, which metamorphosed into the current Institute of Cultural Studies in 1983, was Michael Crowder. He started the annual Ife Festival of the Arts. He left in 1971. Ulli Beier, the famous Austrian researcher of Yoruba culture, was appointed by Prof. Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife, as the Director of the Institute of African Studies in September 1971. One of the achievements of Ulli Beier was the transformation of the Ife Festival of the Arts into an annual event.
The Director at the inception of Institute Cultural Studies in 1983 was Professor Olabiyi Babalola Yai, foremost linguist, cultural critic, philosopher, Yoruba studies expert and distinguished professor. He was succeeded by Professor Bade Ajuwon who served as the Director from 1986 to 1992. Other Directors/Acting Directors include: Professor ‘Biodun Adediran (1992 to 1996), Professor Oyin Ogunba (1996 to 1999), Dr. Gabriel Olu Akomolafe, (1999 – 2000), Professor Isola Olomola, (2000 – 2004), Dr. Wale Adeniran (2004 – 2008), Prof. Akin Alao (2008 – 2011), Prof. Gbemisola Remi Adeoti (2011 – 2015) and Dr. Jare Oladosu (2015 – 2017), Prof. Félix Ayoh’Omidire (2017 – 2022). The current Director is Professor Gbenga Fasiku.
Mission
To actualize the second segment of the University Motto: For Learning and Culture
To engage the large society through active projection of the town and gown policy of the University.
Objectives of ICS
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Regular mounting of Arts Exhibitions and periodic hosting of the famed Ife Festival of the Arts
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Conduct of inter-disciplinary research in to African, especially Yoruba Arts, Science and Technology
