Peter Ogohi Salifu has been awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, tenable at the University of Warwick in the UK.
This scholarship, part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity Development theme, will allow Peter Ogohi Salifu to pursue a Master’s Degree in Applied Theatre: Arts, Action, and Change.
According to Salifu, his selection better positions him to solidify his dedication to using theatre as a tool for social change, a mission that aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Applied Theatre program at Warwick.
“The MA Applied Theatre at the University of Warwick addresses contemporary practice in applied theatre and socially engaged performance and encourages students to explore how performance can contribute to social transformation in settings such as criminal justice, education, healthcare, community development, etc,” he explained.
Peter Ogohi Salifu has noted that his ambitions extend beyond personal development, adding that he is determined to apply the knowledge gained from this program to support and institutionalize arts-based approaches to environmentalism, health, well-being, social inclusion, and education for underserved communities in his home country, Nigeria.
“I am eager to build on this experience, which strongly aligns with my goals of becoming an Applied Theatre Academic. My research and community service will focus on promoting critical thinking, facilitating access to education, and pursuing community development through arts-based approaches,” Salifu stated.
This scholarship also marks his entry into a global network of over 31,000 Commonwealth scholars and fellows since the program’s inception in 1959.
Acknowledging the support that shaped his journey, Salifu extended his gratitude to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK, and the University of Warwick for the opportunity.
He also recognized the role played by his mentors, teachers, and the University Management Team: “I am deeply thankful to my teachers, formators, superiors, and my University Management Team for their support, mentorship, and guidance. They have played a vital role in shaping my academic and professional journey, offering wisdom and encouragement that have empowered me to reach this milestone.”
Peter Ogohi Salifu’s academic and professional achievements are further highlighted by his recent success at the 37th International Conference of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), where he won the esteemed SONTA-OluObafemi Prize for Playwriting with his play “Sons of an Ancestor”.
Peter Ogohi Salifu is a budding Applied Theatre Researcher and a versatile theatre, performance, and media practitioner. He is a Theatre Director, critic, and playwright.
