Repositioning Ceramic Professionalism in Art Training in Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Unhealthy didactic atmosphere towards ceramic professionalism cannot successfully drive ceramic industry in Nigeria into sound technology. Invariably, the situation demand immediate repositioning of ceramic training in the Nigeria Art Schools to facilitate and fast track availability of high level man-power needed in the ceramic industry. For this reason, the problems of inadequate ceramic teaching and learning processes in art schools which has not been adequately attended to scholarly, was focused in this study. Significantly, this study highlights area of technical deficiencies in ceramic training with emphasis placed on Ife Art School; the school that was built on sound education philosophy, with excellent knowledge acquisition and culture for service that create platform for technological advancement and indigenization of technology for the country. The study briefly examines the state of ceramic teaching facilities in the nation’s art schools historically. It further studies the situation in Ife Art School in relation to the mission objectives of the school. Further, it critically examines the situation in the ceramic teaching and learning facilities as well as progress and achievement made since inception of the department, relating it to the nation’s ceramic industry relevance. The study concludes that inadequate funding, absence of further training abroad amongst others compromises teaching and learning process in Ife Art School and other Nigeria Art Schools. Hopefully, government and other stakeholders in education have been here sensitized to be alive to their constitutional duties; as this is the only way the needed technological advancement in the country may be achieved.

Keywords: Art education, art school, ceramic training, repositioning, technological advancement