The Pioneer Students of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts/Music, Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state on 17th August, 2016 exhibited their art works at the departmental building in the University.
The art exhibition which marked the end of their academic journey in the University also brought to limelight the level of professionalism, sellable skills and knowledge the University has impacted into them over the past four years through the course of their study.

Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Kevin Nwogu (R), Head, Department of Fine and Applied Arts/Music, Prof. Chris Ehbigbo (C) and Mr. Samuel Eche (R), a lecturer in the department inspecting some of the art works by students
Welcoming the audience to the event, the Head Department of Fine and Applied Arts/Music, Prof. Chris Ebhigbo stated that the young graduates have been rightly taught and now possessed the right balance of talent, work ethics and drive to excel as accomplished artists in the nearest future.
“I am convinced that these young artists would make the University and the country proud in the nearest future because of the quality of learning they have been exposed to in this world class University”, he enthused.
The event witnessed the exhibition of the art works of Umoke A. Umoke, Akpan Joshua, Olurunnisola Grace M. and Ifemere Paschal Chijioke, all pioneer graduates of the department which included among other things: landscape, Agbogho muo, tea sets, flower vases, ceramic tiles, floor tiles, ceramic sculptor, prints, tile and dye, throw pillow, bill board, posters, handbill, postage stamp and customised T-shirts.

A cross section of art paintings by students on display
Buttressing the professionalism of the art works on display, Mr. Samuel Echem, one of the Lecturers in the department praised the originality, creativity and imagination of the budding artists, stating that they created a series of drawings and paintings, and did some works on Life and Still painting, Mixed Media Painting, Advanced Drawing and Exploration of Indegenious Art Forms.

ONE OF THE PIONEER GRADUATES SPEAKING ABOUT HER ART WORKS
Speaking at the end of the exhibition, one of the young artists, Akpan Joshua, who majored in Graphic Arts, thanked the University for preparing them for the needs of the 21st century economy. He stated “I cannot wait to get to the labour market to showcase my knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that identify all great arts.”
“The knowledge I have gained here has helped me to apppreciate and understand the art of different eras; movements, styles and technique. With all these, I can develop, evaluate and improve myself hoping that in no distance time my works will be a masterpiece”, he concluded.

A cross section of sculpture art works by students on display
The arts exhibition was a veritable testament to the fact that Nigerian youths are very talented and if properly groomed and given the right platforms, like the one provided by the University, would excel in every endeavor.