By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Art works to be exhibited |
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) is poised to celebrate a milestone moment in its academic calendar with the debut of a major student art exhibition. Titled "The First of the Series," the highly anticipated event, organized by the Fine and Applied Arts Department, is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The exhibition will be held at the ASCON Staff School Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 10:00 AM prompt. The event will also feature the official launch of a commemorative exhibition catalogue, marking a significant step in promoting artistic endeavors within the institution.
The driving force behind this inaugural program is Mukaila Yusuf , the dedicated art teacher and exhibition coordinator. Reflecting on the journey to this point, Yusuf shared his long-held vision to elevate the profile of art within the college. "I have been teaching here since 2015.
This year, I thought of what new thing we can do and for the students to know that there's life in art," he stated. His efforts began with taking students on excursions to places like the National Stadium to broaden their horizons. "The First of the Series" is the culmination of this persistence, a platform designed to pronounce the value and vibrancy of artistic expression to the entire community.
Yusuf also addressed a fundamental challenge facing art education: a societal bias towards the sciences. He revealed that the problem of students losing interest in art often starts at home. "My parents advised me to go for science, which I rejected... most parents do the same today," Yusuf recounted from his own experience.
His advice to parents is clear and heartfelt: "I will only advise the parents not to deviate the children from their dreams. They should just support them and guide them." This exhibition, therefore, stands as a powerful statement, aiming to prove that a successful and fulfilling career can be built through the arts.
The "The First of the Series" art exhibition is open to the public, inviting art enthusiasts, parents, and the broader community to witness the creative prowess of ASCON's students. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view and purchase a diverse range of artworks, as the students have created various designs based on their personal inspirations and choices.
This event not only marks a "first" for ASCON but also signals a promising new chapter for nurturing young artistic talent in Nigeria, with the promise of many more exhibitions to come.