D.M Long’gul reports
The Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Jos today 31-1- 2026 hosted a high-profile “Theatre and Society” masterclass, featuring celebrated alumni: Bethel “Senator” Njoku, Stanley “Funny Bone” Chibuke, and Osama who funded their coming from Lagos to Jos for the class.
The session, designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practicalities of the entertainment industry, focused on the business and ethics of stand-up comedy.
The guests were received by the course lecturer, Professor John Sani Illah, who introduced the trio to the final-year class. The lecture served as a full-circle moment for the entertainers, who credited the department’s rigorous training for their professional longevity.
funny-bone in action, teaching
The speakers touched on several pillars of professional success:Aesthetics and Capital: Bethel Njoku (Senator) delivered a technical breakdown of aesthetics, discussing how the perception of beauty and art appreciation functions within a capitalist economy. He specifically cited Professor Illah’s influence on his ability to navigate the industry with an intellectual edge.
The Integrity of Art:
the comedian senator teaching
Stanley Chibuke (Funny Bone) urged students to look inward for inspiration. “All arts must speak to their original nature,” he told the class, emphasizing that while the industry is vast, only those with strong character and authentic voices sustained growth.
Osama reinforced the importance of professional conduct, stating that talent alone is insufficient. He identified character and loyalty as the most critical assets for any artist looking to transition from the classroom to the national stage.
The “Unijos” Factor
The atmosphere was a blend of academic rigor and professional storytelling. The celebrities shared personal anecdotes about their time on campus, describing the University of Jos as the “spiritual home” of their craft.The open class concluded with an interactive Q&A session, leaving the final-year students with a roadmap for navigating the competitive Nigerian entertainment landscape
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