The University of Cross River State on Thursday held its 11th inaugural lecture, with a call for greater innovation, originality and institutional support for the arts in Nigeria’s academic system.
The lecture, delivered at the institution’s main campus in Calabar, was presented by Professor Wale Oloidi of the Department of Visual Arts, who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, commended the dedication and resilience of academic staff, describing their contributions as vital to the growth of scholarship and academic excellence.
“Our academic staff have continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to scholarship and excellence, and their contributions remain invaluable to the advancement of this university,” she said.
She urged professors yet to deliver their inaugural lectures to take advantage of the platform to showcase their intellectual contributions.
“I encourage all professors who are yet to deliver their inaugural lectures to make use of this platform to share their research and enrich the academic community,” she added.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the university has designated a space for an arts gallery, noting that “the Cross River State Government remains committed to the advancement of the arts.”
A citation read by Professor Stephen Ochang, University Orator and former Acting Vice-Chancellor, traced Oloidi’s academic journey, highlighting his early career and international exposure.
According to him, “Professor Oloidi’s initiative led to the establishment of the Department of Fine Arts, which has since evolved into a full-fledged degree-awarding programme.”
Delivering his lecture titled “From Mustard to Oak: The Role of Art as Midwife to the Birth of Painting in an Unassumed Entangled Environment,” Professor Wale Oloidi examined painting as a deeply personal and expressive medium shaped by perception and creative insight.
“Painting is not just a visual exercise; it is a deeply personal engagement shaped by perception, experience and creative insight,” he said.
He emphasized the need for innovation and originality, urging artists to develop distinct identities.
“Artists must strive for originality and cultivate a unique voice that reflects their individual experiences and worldview,” Oloidi stated.
The professor also highlighted key challenges confronting artists, including creative block, piracy, limited patronage, financial constraints and inadequate institutional support.
Despite these challenges, he encouraged perseverance, drawing on the metaphor of growth.
“Like the mustard seed, artistic growth requires patience, consistency and unwavering dedication,” he said.
Oloidi further advocated stronger institutional recognition of the arts, stressing that “the arts are central to holistic education and must be given the prominence they deserve.”
The ceremony featured the formal presentation of the inaugural lecture note to the Vice-Chancellor, as well as the unveiling of the lecturer’s book, “Creating Oak From Mustard: The Lyrics of The Times.”
Dignitaries at the event included Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide, former Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS and the Federal University Lafia, alongside members of the university community and other invited guests.
Kingsley Agim
