Adekile Goodwill Grammar School (Senior), Oritaperin Area, Ibadan, has emerged as the overall winner of the 7th Edition of the DJ Bullock Inter-School Theatre Contest, held at the Government College Assembly Hall, Apata, Ibadan. The remarkable victory further cements the school’s reputation as one of the notable secondary schools in Oyo State with a strong commitment to excellence in the arts.
The highly anticipated theatre and playwriting contest featured eight competitive schools: The Vale College, Ibadan, Adekile Goodwill Grammar School Snr Ibadan, St. Peter’s Catholic College, Ibadan, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Ibadan, Queen’s School Apata, Ibadan, NUT Grammar School, Ibadan, Yejide Grammar School, Ibadan, and Government College, Apata, Ibadan. The event was a vibrant showcase of artistic brilliance, theatrical aesthetics, and creative ingenuity, as students brought compelling stories to life on stage.
This year’s theme, ‘Nigerian Youth and Drug Abuse,’ challenged participating schools to explore pressing societal issues through drama. Each school presented thought-provoking scripts that not only entertained but also educated the audience on the dangers of drug abuse among young people. Beyond competition, the initiative aims to discover, nurture, and develop students’ artistic talents while enhancing their language proficiency, critical thinking, communication, and performance skills.
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The DJ Bullock Foundation, organizers of the contest, continues to uphold the legacy of the late Derek John Bullock under the guiding philosophy, ‘Doing Whatever DJ Bullock Would Have Loved to Do.’ Through scholarships, teacher and student awards, and school grants, the foundation remains dedicated to promoting theatre arts as a tool for education and social awareness.
Speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Busayo Fakunle, Coordinator of the School Drama Troupe, expressed profound joy over the achievement. He highlighted that the recent familiarization visit by the newly transferred Permanent Secretary, Zone 1, Mrs. Beyioku Gbemisola Temitayo, played a significant role in motivating the team.
‘The PS’s visit was timely. She is a rare educator and an outstanding achiever who inspired me and encouraged the staff to remain steadfast in our duties,’ he noted.
Mr. Fakunle also extended heartfelt appreciation to the school management, led by the Principal, Mr. Adeweso Samuel Olusegun, and other dedicated staff members whose collective efforts contributed immensely to the success recorded.
Miss Aina Dorcas Oluwafeyikemi, a teacher who witnessed the theatre contest lauded the team’s dedication, resilience and exceptional performance.
‘I am just wowed by my learners presentation and how the audience kept clapping almost at every scene,’ she said.
The school’s outstanding performance at the contest earned multiple recognitions, including Best Set (Winner), Best Female Character (Nominee), Best Director (Winner), Best Stage Manager (Nominee), and ultimately, Best Drama Presentation (Overall Winner)—a testament to the team’s hard work, creativity, and excellence.
This victory not only marks a proud moment for Adekile Goodwill Grammar School but also reinforces the transformative power of theatre in shaping informed, expressive, and socially conscious students.
‘God alone be praised,’ Mr. Fakunle added.
