Towards Improving the Teaching and Learning of Fine and Applied Arts in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: An Emphasis on SIWES

Abstract

Fine and Applied Arts are important cultural elements when considering economic empowerment. In fact, graduates of Technical and Vocational institutions are expected to competently fit into industrial productions as well as display entrepreneurial abilities. Unfortunately, the teaching and learning on these areas have become too theoretical and less practical that graduates skills and capabilities to competently meet the demands of the industry or becoming self-reliant are not emphasized. However this problem could be checked by emphasizing students’ industrial training as part of their curriculum. The study employs a qualitative research approach with sources of data from both primary and secondary sources. The Repetitive Training Theory was relied on for Proper grounding of the work. The study observes that emphasis are no longer placed on industrial training as part of the curriculum and where it is done there are no proper feedback/follow up services after students industrial training. Efforts should be made by government and other stakeholders such that training and practice of Fine and Applied Arts remains a sure road to economic empowerment.