In a bid to revive interest in poetry and promote creative expression among young learners, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State Chapter, in partnership with the Kwara State Government, has organised a state-wide sensitisation workshop for teachers on poetry performance.
The workshop, themed “From Page to Stage: Teaching and Performing Poetry in the 21st Century,” was held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Kwara State University Conference Centre in Ilorin. It forms part of activities marking World Poetry Day and serves as a precursor to a State-wide Spoken Word Performance Poetry Competition scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Kwara Innovation Hub.
The initiative is designed to equip teachers with modern techniques in poetry instruction and performance, enabling them to mentor students from junior and senior secondary schools who will participate in the forthcoming competition.
Bridging Oral Tradition and Modern Poetry
Delivering the keynote address titled “Performance Poetry: From Stage to Page and Back,” Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Kwara State University, underscored the deep roots of African poetry in oral tradition.
He explained that oral poetry predates written literature in Africa and remains a dynamic, performance-driven art form that evolves with each rendition. According to him, modern Nigerian poetry continues to draw heavily from these traditions, blending indigenous rhythms, proverbs, and storytelling techniques with contemporary themes.
Aliagan highlighted the contributions of renowned poets such as Christopher Okigbo and Niyi Osundare, noting that their works successfully bridge the gap between written and oral poetry. He stressed that performance poetry today is not confined to the stage but extends to digital platforms, including social media, where rhythm, repetition, and dramatic delivery remain central elements.
“Poetry has come full circle-- from stage to page and back to stage,” he said, adding that effective poetry in the 21st century must engage both the ear and the eye.
Poetry as a Tool for Critical Thinking
In her lecture, Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu, Head of English Department, described poetry as “the best words in the best order,” emphasizing its power as a tool for intellectual and creative development.
She noted that traditional methods of teaching poetry, often centred on memorisation and rigid interpretation, have contributed to declining interest among younger generations. However, she argued that when taught creatively, poetry can enhance critical thinking, cultural awareness, and self-expression.
Aliyu urged teachers to adapt to changing times by incorporating performance, digital media, and interactive techniques into poetry teaching. “Poetry is not just an art form; it is a way of life that preserves culture, provokes thought, and inspires innovation,” she said.
Call to Empower Students
In his goodwill message, ANA National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, commended the Kwara State Government for supporting literary development in the state. He also praised the leadership of the Kwara ANA Chapter for fostering collaboration that made the programme possible.
He charged participating teachers to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop in preparing their students for the upcoming competition.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Kwara ANA Chairman, Dr. Al-Amin M. El-Nasir, described the workshop as the first phase of a broader initiative aimed at nurturing young poetic talents across the state.
“Poetry has moved beyond the pages into performance and media spaces. As educators, we must relearn and adapt in order to guide our students effectively,” he said.
Renewed Focus on Public Schools
Speakers at the event also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, particularly the role of public schools in nurturing talent. They emphasized that despite prevailing challenges, public institutions continue to produce outstanding students and should remain central to such developmental initiatives.
Looking Ahead
With the May 2 competition drawing closer, expectations are high that the trained teachers will transfer their knowledge to students, thereby raising a new generation of spoken word artists in Kwara State.
The initiative signals a renewed commitment to integrating creativity into education while preserving Nigeria’s rich oral literary heritage-- ensuring that poetry remains a vibrant and relevant force in contemporary society.
