Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Muyiwa has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan at the age of 61.
Recognized for her outstanding acting abilities and commitment to academic excellence, Muyiwa has made substantial contributions to both fields. Since 2003, she has been an experienced lecturer and has held the position of Head of the Department of Performing Arts at Olabisi Onabanjo University since 2010.
Her academic career is characterized by numerous accomplishments, including her recent promotion to the rank of Chief Arts Fellow, a status equivalent to that of a professor.
She expressed her gratitude on Instagram, stating, “My promotion to the position of Chief Arts Fellow, a Professorial cadre, was announced today. Lord, I say THANK YOU.”
Muyiwa's academic pursuits began at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) in Dramatic Arts. She subsequently pursued a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, completing this program in 2020 while simultaneously advancing her acting and teaching careers.
In addition to these achievements, Muyiwa has also received an honorary doctorate from Redeemer’s University, which further enhances her reputation as both a scholar and a distinguished artist. Her latest accomplishment serves as an inspiring testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for lifelong learning.
Brief Joke Muyiwa Biography
Joke Muyiwa was born on March 21, 1963, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She completed her primary education at the Sacred Heart Convent School and attended the Baptist Grammar School for her secondary education, both located in Ibadan, Oyo State.
For her higher education, Muyiwa enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) degree in Dramatic Arts. Subsequently, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan.
With over 40 years of experience in the acting profession, Muyiwa commenced her career at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Ibadan.
She then advanced to the University of Ibadan Performing Arts Theatre and subsequently joined the Obafemi Awolowo University Theatre Company. Since the beginning of her career, she has featured in numerous theatrical productions, television series, and films.
Muyiwa began her lecturing career between 2002 and 2003 at Lagos State University before continuing her academic journey at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she has served for more than 14 years. She held the position of Head of the Department of Performing Arts at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Additionally, she is recognized as one of the ambassadors unveiled by Capital Sage Holdings.
In her personal life, Joke Muyiwa is both a mother and a grandmother. She is the mother of two sons, though she experienced the loss of one during infancy. Her first son, Abayomi "Thespis" Ayeni, is a musician. She became a grandmother in March 2020.
In terms of accolades and acknowledgments, Muyiwa received the Best Lead Actress in a Yoruba Film Award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for her performance in "Ayitale," which was produced and directed by Adebayo Salami.
She was awarded the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2014 Yoruba Movie Academy Awards for her role in the same film. She was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress (Yoruba) category at the 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards for her role in "Ayo Mi." Furthermore, she received the Movie Matriarch Recognition Award at the 2018 City People Movie Awards.