Contributions of Selected Nigerian Artists in University Administration

Akinkunmi Olatunbosun Odeniyi and Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Modern Nigerian Art emerged as a result of efforts of artists. In the study of artists in Nigeria, early generation artists were the focus. The studies were not particularly focused on academics in Nigerian universities where students are trained for degrees in visual arts. Whereas, after the initial studies, more artists have evolved and with enormous contributions pivotal to the existence of visual arts departments. The later generation artist, particularly those with significant contributions in visual arts departments in Nigerian universities deserve adequate scholastic attention. There is consequently the dearth of scholarship on later generation artists in Nigerian universities. This study is therefore a biographical examination of selected Nigerian artists who currently function in professional, academic and administrative capacities in visual art departments in Nigerian universities. Eleven academics who are pioneers, administrators and sustainers of visual arts departments in Nigerian universities were selected for biographical study based on set criteria. Findings revealed that these academics are material to the establishment, development and sustenance of their visual art departments and Nigerian visual arts, as heads of department, deans of faculty, heads of university, visiting lecturers, lecturers on sabbatical leave, external examiners, academic assessors, resource persons in programme audit and accreditation exercise, and consultants on establishment of visual art departments. Their activities include teaching, mentoring, lecturing, research, research supervision, and design of programme curriculum. They piloted the affairs of their departments by providing leadership at various times.

Presentation