By Ella Ononiwu

On October 1st, 2023, Nigeria celebrated its 63rd anniversary of independence. Across the country, schools and communities held events to mark the occasion, and one school in particular found a unique way to teach its students about Nigerian culture through art.

The Lycée Français Louis Pasteur (LFLP) is the French international school in Lagos, with more than 30 nationalities, and a strong commitment to promoting diversity and multiculturalism. For the Nigerian independence celebration, the LFLP organized a series of art-related activities for its students, including storytelling, exhibitions, workshops, and exchanges with artists. The goal of these activities was to help students learn about the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria. One of the highlights of the celebration was a storytelling session with Nigerian actor and storyteller, Bola Stephen, who shared a traditional Nigerian story, and also discussed current global headlines with the final year students. 

Stephen said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss world issues and possible solutions through storytelling. I look forward to more times like this.”

The students were also able to see an exhibition of Nigerian art, as the school was transformed into a mini gallery for two days.

The exhibition, in collaboration with OM Gallery, featured paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from a variety of Nigerian artists.

As part of the Programmes lined up for the exhibition, the LFLP invited Sodiq Abiola, a Nigerian artist known for his vibrant and colorful paintings that depict Nigerian culture and traditions. He shared his insights with the students, and also answered their questions. He began his visit by giving a presentation to the students about his artistic influences, his creative process, and the different techniques he uses. He also explained the meaning behind some of his finished paintings which were exhibited.

“The art exhibition was a great way for students to learn about different aspects of Nigerian art,” said LFLP art teacher, Mr. Idu who jointly initiated the artistic project with the school’s library. “They were particularly interested in learning about the traditional masks and making their own”. 

After the Students studied and produced indigenous ethnic masks, made from recycled newspaper,an attendee said, “I really enjoyed interpreting and reinventing in my own way the masks I learnt about.” Abiola’s visit to the school and the masks making workshops were a valuable experience for the students. It gave them the opportunity to learn from a professional aArtist and to explore their own creativity.

The LFLP’s artistic celebration of Nigerian independence was a resounding success as students learned about the country’s culture in a fun and engaging way, and they developed a deeper appreciation for Nigerian art.

The importance of art in education

The French school’s celebration of Nigerian independence is a perfect example of how art can be used as a powerful and valuable educational tool. 

When students are exposed to art, they are encouraged to think outside the box and to come up with new and innovative ideas. They are also encouraged to think about the artist’s intent, the meaning of the artwork, and their own personal response to the artwork.

Therefore, art helps students to develop their creativity and imagination, critical thinking skills and their ability to analyse and evaluate information, which are valuable skills both academically and personally. By continuously exposing students from different nationalities and cultures to Nigerian art, the Lycée Français teaches them to develop a better understanding of the country they are living in, and the world around them at large, thus becoming more tolerant and respectful of others.

There have been many prominent researches about art used as an education tool. A 2006 study found that high school students who take arts classes have higher math and verbal SAT scores than students who take no arts classes (Sandra S. Ruppert, «Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement», US National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2006, page 9). This confirms another study which concluded that quality arts education increases critical thinking, and has a positive impact on the development of academic, social and cultural understanding (Anne Bamford, « L’éducation artistique dans le monde», Revue internationale d’éducation de Sèvres, 42 | 2006, 119-130). 

These studies suggest that art can be a powerful tool for education, and the Lycée Français has without a doubt extensively used such an educational approach. For example, students might learn about a subject by creating various arts around it, a teaching approach called art integration. Another type of instruction continuously used by the school is visual art education, which focuses on developing students’ understanding and appreciation of art. In the French curriculum, students learn about different art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and drawing because the research on the use of art as an education tool is clear: art can be a powerful tool for learning and development. It can help students to develop a variety of important skills and knowledge. The unique way in which the French school incorporated art and education into the celebration of Nigerian independence is not only an example of the many ways in which art can be used to achieve academic objectives, but also a reminder of its importance in a wholistic and all-round education.