DELSU On The Rise In Ranking, Says VC

By Ben Nwanne

“Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) is sustainably rising in its ranking both locally and intentionally”, its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga has declared.

He was speaking on Thursday at the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 2nd Biennial Conference of the Sculptors Association of Nigeria (ScAN) where he commended the artists for choosing DELSU to host the event, adding that “this gesture is good for the visibility and image of the University”.

Professor Egwunyenga whose love for the Arts is legendary despite being a scientist, remarked that the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, with the Sculpture Section as one of its leading specializations, was one of the departments of the University at its inception in 1992.

He specifically pinpointed the impact of Sculpture in the University where professionally executed Sculptures abound, enhancing the aesthetics of the environment.

According to the notable environmentalist, “Sculpture’s contribution to the University environment is visible in the outdoor Sculptures that adorn the Campuses. These works have become defining landmarks with aesthetic and historical appeals. It is in the light of these contributions that this administration has continued to give support to the development of the Department”.

As part of his support for the Department, the former Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku promised that the proposed building of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Art Gallery on the main Campus would be completed during the life of the current administration.

ALSO READ: Kidnapped Five Students Of Federal University Gusau Regain Freedom After Two Months

Professor Egwunyenga who has been running an open and inclusive administration, commended the Association for choosing an “apt and germane”, theme for the Conference,

“Multi-Dimensionalism in Sculpture: Imperative for Socio-Cultural and Technological Integration in Emerging Economies”, adding that it was not only for academic purpose but also to develop and provide road maps that would further amplify the essence of Sculpture practice in our society.

Presenting his address at the occasion, the President of Sculptors Association of Nigeria, Professor Nelson Edewor, informed that the association was founded in 2018, pivoted by great Sculpture practitioners both in the academia and studio practice to “protect, promote and sustain the practice of Sculpture in all its ramifications”.

According to him, “Sculpture as a profession derives its creative energy from God Almighty who is the first Sculptor. God was inspired to engage in Sculpture when He said, ‘let us create man’ and practically got involved in the process when He formed (built) the form (MAN) out of dust (Clay)”.

Professor Edewor who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at DELSU explained that since creation, through ancient traditions, Sculpture had played a pivotal role in modelling human structures, ideas and ideals in social evolution cycle.

Taking a holistic view of development, Professor Edewor, an Anglican Priest, noted that the survival of the Nigerian economy in the 21st century could only be sustainable in harnessing and applying theoretical knowledge from all disciplines. He made a case for visual arts in these words. “In relation to the visual arts, it is important to mention that Art is the apparel that adorns technology. As Sculptors, our basic knowledge in technological applications of diverse media for form development, exposes us to the domains of Engineering, ​Mathematics, Architecture, Building and Quantity Survey, Geography and Environmental Sciences, Anatomy, etc.”

Professor Edewor affirmed that “Sculpture is the mother of all other specializations of the visual arts”, adding that the role of the Sculptors in the Nigerian space could be geared from ancient Nigerian Sculpture traditions such as NOK, Igbo-Ukwu Bronzes, Ife Bronzes and Benin Bronzes, robustly arguing that those Sculpture traditions “provide the incontrovertible evidences that defeat all Euro-Centric negative allusions that Africans were never developed before Colonialism”.

He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his warm and positive disposition towards the Arts, particularly the speedy completion of a befitting Faculty Complex that was abandoned for over ten years, thus creating an environment that would further inspire teaching, learning and research.

The activity-packed two-day Conference which also included virtual participants witnessed two keynotes presentations by Professor Frank Ugiomoh of the University of Port-Harcourt who spoke on “Ideation and Essence: Cognition in Contemporary Arts Appreciation”, while Dr. Okay Ikenegbu of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) dwelt on “Multi-dimensionalism in Sculpture: Imperative for Socio-Cultural and Technological Integration in Emerging Economies: The Making of a Monumental Roaring Lion”.

Three lead papers were presented by notable scholars and a curator. Dr. Ndubuisi Ezeluomba, Curator of African Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, United States, spoke on “Sculpting Art History: Dialogues and Changing Perceptions with the V.M.F.A”; Dr. Stephen Folaranmi from Rhodes University, South Africa spoke on “The Socio-Cultural Integration of Architecture, Sculpture and Painting in Nigeria” while Dr. Ayodele Otonye of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba addressed “Artists’ Branding and Professional Prosperity in an Emerging Economy: Creating Identity in Sculpture Practice in Nigeria”.

Apart from the Music Department that provided soothing tunes during the opening ceremony, the Theatre Arts Department was on hand to entertain with a dance drama.