Laying the Foundations for Tomorrow’s Artists

Yinka Olatunbosun

Abreezy pedestrian bridge leads into the Department of Fine Arts at Mountain Top University, Ogun State – the first department of its kind in a private university in the state. Established in 2019, the department was created to give aspiring artists structured, contemporary training that matches the realities of today’s creative industries.

Today the department is quietly transforming under Acting Head of Department Dr Kehinde Hassan Shobukola, who joined the university on 1 August 2022.

When he arrived, student enrolment was modest but encouraging. After observing the department during its first two academic sessions, Shobukola quickly identified the gaps that needed to be addressed to improve teaching and learning.

“I spearheaded the curriculum,” he explained. “The department was established following the vision and directive of the Chancellor’s wife, Dr Folashade Olukoya.”

Olukoya, a trained artist, has long maintained a deep interest in the arts and has actively supported the department from its inception.

“When I came in, I learned she had offered full scholarships to the first 25 students for the four years they would spend here,” Shobukola said. “We initially had two students in year one, alongside direct‑entry students and a few others who transferred internally from the Music and Mass Communication departments.”

Across the lake on campus stands a new building designated for the Fine Arts department, expected to house facilities for sculpture, textile production and other studio‑based practices. According to Shobukola, the vision is to equip students with both practical skills and professional exposure.

“To establish this kind of department, you need materials and facilities. That may be one reason many private university managements are reluctant to introduce Fine Arts as a course of study,” he noted.

Reflecting on the department’s evolving curriculum, Shobukola emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in contemporary art education.

“Our performance as a department will ultimately be assessed by the outcomes of the curriculum,” he said. “The curriculum is dynamic, and we have the opportunity to introduce courses that were previously absent. We added five new courses, including Artificial Intelligence for Visual Art.”

For him, the role of art extends far beyond the studio.

“There is hardly any organisation that does not need an artist – whether as an illustrator, designer or creative consultant. Virtually every profession relies on artists in one way or another. Artists are not meant to be job seekers; they should be job creators. We prepare our students to fit into any organisation, but more importantly, to create opportunities for themselves. Even while in school, many of our students are already making money. Through exhibitions and outings, we expose them to the realities of professional practice.”

Drawing from years of experience in the printing industry, Shobukola has introduced a more practical, industry‑oriented approach to the department’s graphics unit. Students are encouraged to participate in commissioned projects while learning the values of professionalism, discipline and teamwork.

“I take them out to build their networks early,” he said. “They meet gallery owners, collectors and practising artists.”

For the first two years, students receive broad foundational training across various aspects of art before specialising during their final years in the department.

According to Shobukola, many students are already thriving within the digital economy.

“Many of them are making money from digital content creation. They are highly experimental and eager to explore new ideas. My 17‑year‑old son recently gave me money to process an international passport because he has been selling his works,” he said with a laugh. “These young people are becoming better prepared for society. We constantly remind them that traditional jobs are limited, but they can create opportunities for themselves.”