Prof. Usman Dakyes, a lecturer with the Federal University of Lafia (Fulafia), has called on Nigerian youths to embrace graphic design entrepreneurship as a viable solution to the country’s rising unemployment rate.
Usman, a professor of Forensic Graphics, made the call on Thursday in Lafia.
Usman spoke at the maiden National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Graphic Designers held at Fulafia.
Dakyes, the convener of the conference, described graphic design as a multi-billion naira industry capable of addressing youth restiveness and poverty in the country.
He explained that graphic design had evolved from aesthetics to a billion-naira industry, adding that the evolution could provide jobs and huge income if properly harnessed.
“For too long, our profession has worked in silos. Freelancers work in isolation, studios competing instead of collaborating and students graduating without a clear professional path.
“The clients do not understand the value of design and a global market that is moving faster than we are.
“So, this conference will provide ideas on professional standards and ethics as well as fashioning out ways of certifying and protecting qualified designers in the country,”he said.
Usman , however, lamented the proliferation of untrained designers in the country and urged clients to patronise only certified and trained professionals for better service delivery.
Speaking , Prof. Isa Kida, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university, represented by Prof. Ilemona Adofu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, commended the association for organising the conference.
The VC said that the theme of the conference, “Graphic Design Education and Practice in the 21st Century: Issues and Insights,” was particularly relevant in the technologically advanced nation.
He added that graphics was rapidly transforming the way Nigerians learn, communicate, create and conduct businesses.
Kida added that graphic design had moved from the traditional boundaries of print and visual aesthetics to an essential component of digital communication, advertising, branding, education, entertainment and entrepreneurship.
He, however, advised professionals to utilise artificial intelligence to enhance their creativity and productivity while still maintaining originality.
“The emergence of artificial intelligence, digital media, animation, user-interface, user-experience design and other emerging technologies is creating both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for the profession.
“These developments demand that our institutions of higher learning continually rethink the way graphic design is taught.
“Graphic design education in the 21st century must combine creativity with technology, theory with practice and artistic expression with problem-solving,”he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the conference had experts and professionals from various states in attendance. (NAN).
