NUXART: Art Exhibition at FASU 2024 Showcases African Unity and Talent
The 11th All Africa University Games (FASU 2024) has transcended the realm of sports, offering a vibrant cultural experience through the Nigerian Undergraduates’ Exhibition of Arts (NUXART).
UBA CHIDINMA 
The 11th All Africa University Games (FASU 2024) has transcended the realm of sports, offering a vibrant cultural experience through the Nigerian Undergraduates’ Exhibition of Arts (NUXART). Held at the Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the exhibition emphasizes African unity through arts, creativity, and cultural exchange.
With the theme “Sports and Culture as Catalysts for African Unity,” NUXART includes capacity-building sessions that aim to promote culture and education among African youth. The exhibition runs concurrently with the FASU Games and will culminate in a final showcase during the closing ceremony at Lagos State University, Ojo.
In an interview, NUXART Director Dr. Patrick Okpah, OON, explained the initiative’s purpose: “It’s the cultural and educational component of the FASU Games, providing a platform for African student creatives to showcase their talents. This exposure fosters self-reliance and entrepreneurship, turning artists into employers of labor even before graduation.”
Dr. Patrick Okpah and a FISU Official
Founded in 2003, NUXART addresses the challenges faced by young artists, particularly the link between creativity and poverty. “There was a noticeable gap; many young artists were unable to showcase their work until after graduation. NUXART gives them that opportunity early on,” said Okpah.
The exhibition has empowered over a thousand artists in its 21-year history, with around 400 alumni now thriving globally. Despite significant achievements, Okpah acknowledges that further improvement is needed, particularly in closing the knowledge gap and securing more funding for the arts.
NUXART’s artworks reflect diverse African stories, aligning with the event’s theme of unity through sports and culture. “Every art piece here speaks a message of diversity in unity, reflecting the beauty of our shared African heritage,” Okpah noted.
As FASU 2024 continues, the integration of sports and culture through NUXART highlights the broader impact of the Games—promoting African unity, talent, and economic development through the arts.
Read the full interview at: https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=42359
