Dr. Philip Effiom Ephraim is a distinguished Reader (Associate Professor) of Communications and Digital Media at Wigwe University, where he also serves as the Programme Director for the College of Arts. With a Ph.D. in Communications and Media Management from Girne American University, and both an MA in Media and Communication Studies and a BA Honours in English and Literary Studies from the University of Calabar, Dr. Ephraim is a well-rounded academic with extensive international experience.

He holds a UK teaching qualification in higher education (FHEA) and has taught and conducted research across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Dr. Ephraim’s professional background includes significant roles in communication and media with leading international NGOs. His academic goal is to cultivate the next generation of fearless communication and media professionals, equipping them with a robust foundation in theory, practical skills, and cultural knowledge. Additionally, he is an experienced music educator and performer, further enriching his dynamic academic and professional profile.

Dr. Achibi Samuel Dede is a distinguished academic, filmmaker, and strategic leader, widely recognized for his contributions to theatre arts and film studies. He currently serves as the Dean of the College of Arts at Wigwe University and holds a Ph.D. in Film Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, where he specialized in film aesthetics and genre studies. Dr. Dede’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Benin, followed by a Master of Arts in Film Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, focusing on film censorship and intellectual property rights. He further honed his leadership skills with an Advanced Certificate in Strategic Leadership from the London School of Business and Finance.

Dr. Dede has an extensive portfolio of professional training and workshops across Africa, including specialized courses in documentary production, feature film finance, and narrative development. His expertise is further validated by his membership in prominent professional organizations, such as the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artistes (SONTA), the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), where he holds veteran status. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Dede has served in various academic and professional capacities. He began his professional journey as a Production/Admin Assistant at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) College in Jos and later held administrative roles at Teenco Engineering Construction Limited. His academic career at the University of Port Harcourt has seen him progress from a part-time lecturer to a full-time lecturer and later to key positions such as Coordinator of the Cultural Administration and Strategic Studies Unit, and Director of the Nollywood International Centre of Excellence.

Dr. Dede’s leadership and artistic direction have been instrumental in various cultural events, including the Rivers State Carnival (CARNIRIV), the Abuja International Carnival, and international festivals such as the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. His role as Director-General/CEO of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency and his contributions as a visiting scholar and artist in residence at institutions like the University of North Hampton in the UK and the University of West Indies in Jamaica, further highlight his global impact.

In addition to his academic and cultural achievements, Dr. Dede is a seasoned consultant and entrepreneur, serving as CEO/Director of Immortal Clan Multi-Media Limited/Fisherman Clan Studios. He has also held significant roles in various boards and committees, including the Nigeria Film Institute and the Catholic Organization for Relief and Development (CORDAID).

A prolific speaker and thought leader, Dr. Dede has presented at numerous international conferences and film festivals, including the Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship Summit in Toronto, Canada, and the Niagara Canada International Film Festival. His contributions to the film and theatre arts industry have earned him several fellowships, including those from the Nigerian Movie Makers Hall of Fame and the Institute of Corporate Administration.

Dr. Dede continues to shape the future of film and theatre arts through his teaching, research, and leadership, making him a respected figure in the Nigerian and global arts communities.

Dr. Tertsea Joseph Ikyoive is a distinguished scholar and educator at Wigwe University, bringing several years of international teaching and research experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, two master’s degrees—one in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan and another in Criminology and Forensic Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa—and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Before joining Wigwe University, Dr. Ikyoive served as a faculty at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he also completed a two-term Postdoctoral scholarship from 2019 to 2022. His career also includes work as an Academic Assessor and External Moderator at Stadio School of Multiuniversity, South Africa. His multidisciplinary research spans African dramatic literature, cultural studies, performance aesthetics, language pedagogy, media, and crime intelligence, with numerous publications in reputable international journals.

Dr. Ikyoive is also an accomplished author and poet, regularly presenting his work at conferences worldwide. He is actively involved in several organizations, including serving on the Editorial Board of Fortham Publishers, as a board member of the Fatilen Empowerment Foundation, and as the board secretary for Ipat Science and Technical College. His commitment to quality education and creative problem-solving aligns with Wigwe University’s mission of fostering innovation and excellence. Outside of academia, Dr. Ikyoive is skilled in graphic design and multimedia production and enjoys playing volleyball and table tennis.

Dr. Oluwatayo B. Isijola is a distinguished theatre scholar and director currently serving as a faculty member at Wigwe University, Isiokpo. He earned his degrees in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, specializing in dramaturgy and theatre directing. His early career included a pivotal role as a technical officer with the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency for CARNIRIV: The Port Harcourt Carnival, after which he spent a decade at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, where he taught acting and directing for both stage and screen.

Dr. Isijola’s academic research spans a wide array of topics, including performance aesthetics, directing audience attention, tourism, feminism, post-colonialism, counterterrorism, ecocriticism, and Nollywood studies. He has contributed significantly to the field through his publications, notably Drama and Theatre: A Guide for Beginners* (2021) and Actors Delight, Vol 1. (2022). His forthcoming works include Toxic In-laws, Le-Mo Be, and Actors Delight, Vol 2.

A prolific director, Dr. Isijola has over 30 full-length commercial and commissioned theatrical productions to his credit, demonstrating his expertise as a hands-on trainer and mentor to aspiring actors and directors. His work continues to influence and shape the landscape of Nigerian theatre and beyond.