Efforts to strengthen spoken word poetry and creative expression among secondary school students in Kwara State received a major boost as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State Chapter, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, organised a Poetry Performance Workshop and Sensitisation Programme for teachers across the state.
The event, held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Kwara State University Conference Centre, forms part of activities marking World Poetry Day and is aimed at equipping secondary school teachers with modern skills to teach and guide students in spoken word poetry.
The initiative also sets the stage for the forthcoming State-wide Spoken Word Performance Poetry Competition scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Kwara Innovation Hub, where students from junior and senior secondary schools are expected to showcase their talents.
The workshop, themed “From Page to Stage: The Role of Poetry in Developing Creative and Critical Thinking among Students,” brought together teachers and academics, creating a platform for interaction between secondary school educators and scholars from higher institutions.
In his keynote address titled “Performance Poetry: From Stage to Page and Back,” Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Kwara State University (KWASU), emphasised that oral poetry remains the foundation of African literary expression. He noted that long before the advent of writing, oral poetry served as a medium for preserving history, culture, and societal values, adding that modern Nigerian poetry still draws heavily from these traditions.
Aliagan explained that performance poetry, unlike written poetry, thrives on audience interaction, voice modulation, rhythm, and cultural context, making it a powerful tool for communication in contemporary society. He stressed that today’s poets must reconnect with indigenous oral traditions to make poetry more accessible and relatable.
Also speaking, Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu, Head of English Department, KWASU, highlighted poetry as “the best words in the best order,” describing it as a vital instrument for developing creativity and critical thinking among students. She observed that poetry, as traditionally taught, often alienated learners due to its rigid and sometimes complex structure, but noted that adopting performance-based approaches could rekindle students’ interest.
According to her, teachers play a crucial role in reshaping how poetry is perceived by younger generations, urging them to embrace innovative teaching methods that align with evolving cultural and technological realities. She added that poetry goes beyond artistic expression, serving as a tool for cultural preservation, intellectual engagement, and social commentary.
Both scholars called for a paradigm shift in the teaching and appreciation of poetry, encouraging educators to move away from rote learning towards more engaging, performance-driven methods that resonate with students.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the National President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, commended the Kwara State Government for its support and praised the state chapter of the association for initiating a programme that promotes creative thinking among young learners. He expressed confidence that the initiative would further position Kwara as a hub for literary and creative excellence.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ANA Kwara State Chapter and convener of the programme, Dr. Al-Amin M. El-Nasir, said the collaboration with the state government is aimed at harnessing the creative potential of students and empowering teachers to effectively guide them in the evolving digital and creative landscape.
He noted that the workshop represents the first phase of a broader programme that will culminate in the statewide poetry competition, urging participants to take full advantage of the training and transfer the knowledge gained to their students.
Participants, drawn from various secondary schools across the state, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged to apply the insights acquired in preparing their students for the upcoming competition.
The programme underscores a renewed commitment to revitalising poetry education in Kwara State by bridging the gap between traditional oral forms and contemporary performance, ensuring that poetry remains relevant, engaging, and impactful for the next generation.
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