University Of Manitoba Faculty Member, Segun Olude Advocates Blending Practical Experience With Education At MAPOLY Art Seminar
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
A faculty member of the University of Manitoba, Canada, Mr. Segun Olude, has advised students to strike a balance between practical experience and academic studies in their respective fields to gain relevance in today's digital creative worspace.
Olude gave this advise during an exclusive interview with OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News correspondent after the MAPOLY Art School Seminar, held at the School of Environmental Sciences (SENVS) Lecture Theatre at the Ojere Campus of the Polytechnic on Thursday.
The highly reverred creative lecturer and practitioner emphasized that education has multiple facets, one involves teachers instructing and motivating students, another focuses on students conducting research and making discoveries, and yet another is about sharing knowledge, even at the student level.
He urged students to share knowledge among themselves to foster collective growth.
OTN News further reports that during the event, Olude demonstrated different ways of communicating using words, colors, and symbols while also showcasing the principles of design.
Also, the Head of Department, Art and Design at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Mr. Adesiji Oladunni, also spoke at the seminar, focusing on design history, principles, and the importance of incorporating cultural elements into contemporary design to make it relevant for the future.
"We have to build skills around contemporary needs," he said, adding that the program aims to bring students out of the traditional classroom into non-conventional learning spaces.
Oladunni stated that the seminar was designed not only for students but also for lecturers to learn how to stay relevant.
In addition, Oladunni further recalled Olude's observation that while farmers and traders of previous generations could afford to send their children to Universities, many of today's graduates working in large corporations cannot boast of similar financial success.
He further advised students to focus on building skills for the future, including farming, tie-dye, merchandising, AI-based printing, basic artistic practices like pottery and glazing, and more.
The professional Seminar series was attended by the Rector of MAPOLY, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, who declared the event opened, the Acting Director, School of Environmental Sciences, Town Planner Oladunjoye Arowosegbe, a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Estate Management of the Poytechnic, Dr. Ismael Kolawole Bello, a senior lecturer in Art and Design from Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Mr. Akinyemi Dolamu Sodirudeen, the Administrative Director from Benjanet Educational Services, Mr. Ogunbona Oluwatomilola, among others.
Similarly, the Head of Department, Arts and Industrial Designs, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta who hosted the Professional Seminar Series advised students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations in order to build relevant careers and skills that align with current needs.
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