Talent, Not Luck, Must Drive Creative Arts Education, Says Faculty of Arts Dean

By Adebisi Bolarinwa, Glory Maxwell, Happiness Elugbaju, Wisdom Adebayo, Misturah Nosiru

Professor Stephen Olusoji, the dean of Creative Arts, has expressed that studying Creative Arts demands natural talent and genuine enthusiasm to thrive, warning against choosing the course simply because other options were unavailable.

In an interview with UNILAG Sun, Olusoji stated that talent is what motivates the student to keep going, noting that students can, however, develop interest, but the foundation of it is to be gifted to make the process even easier. 

“You don’t come empty into this area,” he said. 

“If the child doesn’t have the interest, the child may not make it. But once the child is gifted, it’s an open world.

“The Art is the soul of the nation, so I am proud that I am a professor of music.”

Olusoji disclosed that the faculty is working towards embracing digital innovation in their curriculum, revealing that a conference will be organised either in February or March 2026 at the faculty to enhance student creativity using artificial intelligence (AI). 

He further stated that the faculty is not dormant and is, however, making sure students are exposed to the usage of AI in their various areas of study, adding that the faculty is looking at how students can be initiated into the areas and the benefits to the faculty.

Olusoji said that the faculty has included more practical courses in the field, such as sound production and film studies, to broaden students’ knowledge.

“These are new areas that students can explore, to compete favourably with their colleagues from anywhere all over the world,” he said. 

“It used to be Western academic, but now we are bringing in more practical areas that will help our students to be marketable when they graduate.”

Olusoji also raised the concern of space and funding in the faculty, emphasizing that they are reaching out to donors and alumni for aid and support.