Once More, FUOYE Puts Nigeria on the Global Arts & Culture Map

Veteran creative artiste and distinguished Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, has once again been appointed to lead Nigeria’s contingent to the 2026 Global Festival of Arts and Crafts in India, scheduled to hold from 31 January to 15 February 2026.

Prof. Bakare, an accomplished son of Aramoko-Ekiti, is a respected member of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) community, where he served as the pioneer Dean of the Postgraduate School as well as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

From December 2019 to August 2025, he distinguished himself as the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, contributing significantly to policy development and the advancement of the cultural sector.

A multiple award-winning scholar and culture advocate, Prof. Bakare has represented Nigeria in more than ten international cultural competitions, securing numerous laurels for the nation. His illustrious career includes serving as Artistic Director of the Abuja National Carnival, Assistant Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and Choreographer for the National Troupe of Gambia. His expertise has earned him global recognition, with professional engagements across all continents.

Come January 2026, he will also serve as Artistic Director of the Calabar-based Calasvegas Carnival Band Dance Troupe, selected by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to represent Nigeria at the prestigious world event.

While congratulating Prof. Bakare on this remarkable milestone and acknowledging his unwavering commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, remarked:

“FUOYE is immensely proud to have Prof. Bakare as one of her leading, astute academics and upwardly mobile scholars. We wish him continued success in this endeavor, just as he has consistently achieved outstanding feats in the past.”

Source: FUOYE