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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A university don, Prof. Abolaji Kashim has charged graduates of Creative and Arts Studies in the country to explore their creative abilities and be competitive locally and on the global stage, instead of running after non-existing or limited white jobs.
Kashim, a professor of Industrial Designs, Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure, gave the charge while speaking at the annual final year arts exhibition tagged: ‘Visual Alchemy ‘26’ held at Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, TASFUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, equally charged them to be creators of jobs and not job seekers.
The exhibition featuring over 100 final year students for 2025/2026 academic session formed part of the final course works at the Creative Arts Department of TASFUED.
Prof. Kashim who is the external examiner of the exhibition, after the inspection and tour of different creative works by students who specialise in Sculpture, Painting, Graphics, Textile, Ceramics and Fashion, commended the creativity and ingenuity displayed in the art works by the students.
“What you are doing today by exhibiting your creative works, I did mine in 1985. And I have been to a number of exhibitions of this nature in various institutions, what I have seen today, is quite impressive. I will score all of you excellent.
“I must commend you, your lecturers, the head of department and the authorities of this institution for the great work they did in making you turn out in this manner”, he said.
The external examiner, however, said that he observed that some of the students improvised using less quality materials for their works, calling on the government and the authorities of the institution to assist the students in acquiring quality materials in order to enhance the quality of these art forms and make them marketable anywhere in the world.
Kashim also advised the students to key into the technological innovation by tapping into the digital space, as the world has moved away from the analogue.
“We are in the creative industry, know how to showcase yourself and your works globally. Going by what I have seen here today, you don’t have to look for jobs after graduation but be the creator of jobs for yourself and for others,” he added.
On his part, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo who was equally excited at the quality of works at the exhibition, noted that his administration would offer the necessary assistance and support to the students and the creative arts department.
He therefore called on the HOD of the department to come up with the list of equipment and materials, which could assist the students in their course of study and improving their efficiency.
The VC, represented at the event by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (academic), Prof. Rotimi Ettu, noted that the institution was the first in Nigeria to issue two certificates – in the course of study and entrepreneurship, adding that the university would help the students in registering their business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)and assist them with funds to kickstart such business.
In his remarks earlier, the Head of Department, Creative Art, TASFUED, Prof. Oluwakemi Oriola said the annual event is used to showcase the works of the students during their course of study in the department.
Expressing his delight at the commendations and accolades the works had received from the external examiner and the university authorities, he said the works are “marketable”, adding that if they can sustain this level of interest and creativity, they have no business looking for jobs anywhere after graduation.
He acknowledged that it has not been easy achieving this feat in the department, assuring that himself and his colleagues would continue to do their best in turning out “employers of labour”.
