When a Nigerian teenager says they want to be an artist, the first reaction from relatives is often worry. Yet creative arts in school are far more than a pastime for students who enjoy drawing. They develop thinking, confidence and communication skills that are useful in every career, and for some students they open the door to a profession.
This article looks at why creativity deserves a serious place in the secondary school timetable, what careers it can lead to and how schools can help students show their work with pride.
Creativity and problem-solving
Every piece of creative work begins with a problem: how do I show this idea, what colour will carry this mood, how do I make this shape stand? Students must try something, look at the result honestly, and improve it. That cycle of trying, reviewing and refining is exactly the habit that scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs use.
Creative arts also teach students to tolerate not knowing the answer immediately. In many school subjects there is a single correct answer; in art, music and drama there are many possible good ones, and students learn to make choices and defend them. Many teachers also notice that arts lessons give quieter students a way of expressing themselves, which can build confidence that carries into other classes.
For Nigerian students there is an added value: cultural and creative arts connect young people to heritage, language, dress, music and storytelling. A student who understands where their traditions come from is usually better placed to be proud of their identity.
Parents can encourage this at home by treating creative tasks as real work. Give your child a regular time and a corner to draw, compose or build, and resist the urge to judge the result too quickly. Ask what they were trying to achieve before offering an opinion. Children who feel that their ideas are respected become more willing to take thoughtful risks, and that willingness is valuable in every subject, from science investigations to essay writing.
Careers in the creative industry
Nigeria’s creative economy is visible everywhere, from music and film to fashion, graphic design, photography, animation and advertising. Behind each of these sits a range of roles that depend on creative training.
Possible career paths include:
- Graphic designer, illustrator or animator
- Fashion designer or textile artist
- Architect or interior designer, which also benefit from technical drawing
- Musician, sound engineer or music teacher
- Filmmaker, photographer or content creator
- Art teacher, curator or craft entrepreneur
Our arts studio
Palmville College has a dedicated cultural and creative arts studio where students can work with their hands, experiment with materials and bring their ideas to life. Having a proper space matters: it tells students that creative work is taken seriously, and it gives them room to make a mess, try again and finish what they begin.
Creativity at Palmville also extends beyond the studio. Students take part in music, Cultural Day celebrations and clubs including an arts club, where they can explore their interests with classmates who share them. Our secondary school page gives a broader picture of the subjects and activities on offer.
Showcasing student work
Creative work becomes meaningful when it is seen. Displays, performances and presentations teach students to explain their choices, accept feedback and feel the pride of finishing something real.
Parents can help at home by showing genuine interest. Instead of only asking about grades, ask your child to talk you through their latest piece: what did you want to show, what was difficult and what would you change? Frame a drawing, keep a portfolio folder and encourage your child to share their work with relatives. You can also browse examples of school life in our photo gallery.
If your child dreams of a creative career, encourage them to keep strong results in core subjects such as English and Mathematics too, since most university courses and training programmes ask for them.
Frequently asked questions
Can a student study creative arts and still go to university?
Yes. Many universities offer courses such as fine art, architecture, mass communication, music and theatre arts, and students usually need good results in core subjects as well.
How can parents encourage a child who loves art?
Give them time and materials, display their work, visit exhibitions or cultural events together and praise effort and originality as well as the finished piece.
Creative arts help students think flexibly, express themselves and discover possible careers. A school that values the studio as much as the classroom raises more rounded young people.
If you would like to see our arts studio and meet the teachers, book a visit to Palmville College in Ipaja.