Developing Skilled Manpower in Arts Crucial for Development Communication - UNICAL Don
UNICAL’s 143rd Inaugural Lecture highlights the role of Visual and Performing Arts in driving development communication and social change. Prof. Esekong Andrew-Essien calls for improved training, human-centered approaches, and investment in the arts to boost impact and economic growth.
Judith Eze 
The 143rd Inaugural Lecturer of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Esekong Hutton Andrew-Essien, has emphasized that developing skilled manpower in Visual and Performing Arts is crucial for producing high-quality messages that can drive development communication.
Prof. Esekong stated this at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre while delivering the institution's inaugural lecture on the topic, "Creative Convergence: Leveraging the Intersections of Visual and Performing Arts for Development Communication and Social Change".
According to him, developing skilled manpower in Visual and Performing Arts requires a comprehensive training approach that goes beyond basic skills, stressing that it is equally necessary to acquire and incorporate knowledge on leveraging art for social impact.
Esekong, a Professor of Scenography, Department of Theatre and Media Studies, said art training curricula should be revamped, and training centers equipped with qualified personnel, tools, and equipment to meet contemporary needs.
He also advocated for continuous knowledge updates and intensive sensitization on art appreciation to expound the value of the arts in development communication.
This approach, he noted, would enable art students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate development messages to diverse audiences.
Prof. Esekong emphasized the importance of a Human-centered Development Approach in developing visual and performative messages, noting that collaboration, feedback, and iteration based on user needs are essential to effective communication, leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.
He added that art can stimulate economic growth through tourism, job creation, and innovative industries, both locally and globally.
The Inaugural lecturer stresed that the role of art in development communication cannot be overemphasized, as it has the power to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, making it an effective tool for conveying messages to diverse audiences.
The Vice Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Florence Obi, in her remarks, described the inaugural lecturer as an enlightened and knowledgeable man who has stayed true to his academic calling.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Tony Eyang, the varsity helmsman described arts as a veritable tool for development, even as she commended the inaugural lecturer for delivering a 'rich and expository' lecture.
The lecture was well-attended by academics, students, and other stakeholders in the university community, who were impressed by the lecturer's insight and expertise.
The colorful event also featured the presentation of a memento to the Inaugural Lecturer by the Deputy Vice Chancellor on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
