Factors Affecting Skill Acquisition in Visual Arts in Mission Secondary Schools in Nsukka

Abstract

The arts, particularly those concerned with three dimensionality, have been part of local tradition in this part of Africa long before Nigeria got its name. Traditional arts in clay (terracotta), brass, bronze and wood in various museums or images of such in print serve as a testament to a rich artistic tradition that thrived before the emergence of modern art in Africa. Although most of the ancient artistic traditions have declined due to certain modern influences, the local children’s performance in art taught at various educational institutions in Nigeria and other countries today authenticate the naturalness of artistic flair among the people. This study takes a critical look at factors affecting the teaching of arts in three selected mission secondary schools in Nsukka, Nigeria. It contains analysis and interpretation of data gotten through a quasiexperimental research on the above subject. It argues that teaching of visual arts in post-primary schools, if all the necessary factors are in place, contributes greatly to individual and national development.