SCHOLAR ADVOCATES STRONGER LINK BETWEEN RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — PROF. EGWEMI
By Ruth Ojimaojo Daniel
Professor of Dramatic Literature and Film Studies, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Oja Paul Egwemi, has called for a stronger connection between university research and community development, stressing the need for scholars to apply knowledge to issues affecting society.
He made the call while delivering the 27th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday 8 September, 2026 at the University Auditorium where he emphasized the importance of taking academic research beyond the classroom to address the pressing challenges confronting host communities.
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Prof. Egwemi explained that as communities continue to face complex challenges ranging from economic hardship to environmental and health concerns, the need for practical and sustainable solutions has become increasingly urgent.
He noted that the evolving nature of global and local challenges has made conventional approaches to Theatre for Development (TfD) difficult, particularly in the face of the current “polycrisis”—a nexus of interconnected social, economic, governance, and environmental issues.
The Inaugural Lecturer observed that complex societal problems cannot be resolved through isolated academic efforts, explaining that such issues require interdisciplinary collaboration among experts across various fields working directly alongside community members.
To bridge this gap, Prof. Egwemi presented the PIDSI model, a strategic framework centered on five core areas: Participatory Knowledge Production, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Digital and Community Communication, Sustainability Through Community Ownership, and Impact Evaluation with Reflective Learning.
He explained that the approach encourages community members to actively participate in research as co-creators of knowledge, while professionals from different disciplines work together to develop solutions to problems affecting society.
Prof. Egwemi further highlighted that the model promotes the integration of digital communication alongside live theatre performances to create wider public awareness on critical issues that affect community health and general wellbeing.
The Professor of Dramatic Literature and Film Studies stressed the importance of assessing the lasting effects of development projects, arguing that success must be evaluated by long-term community impact rather than merely measuring audience reach or numbers.
He concluded with a challenge to academics and researchers to examine how their teaching and research contribute to national development, urging universities to turn theoretical knowledge into meaningful action within society.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 16, 2026
