…new chapter in creativity, culture and innovation

In a significant boost to enhance teaching and research in the area of Fine and Applied Arts, the promotion of creativity, culture and arts in Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya, wife of the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) and Chancellor MTU has commissioned Elizabeth Olukoya Centre for Fine and Applied Arts at Mountain Top University (MTU), Prayer City, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

The imposing edifice, designed to provide a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and artistic expression, is expected to serve as a hub for creativity, innovation and talent development within the University and beyond.

The Centre stands as a beautiful expression of creativity, excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of the arts.

More than a facility, it represents a vision to nurture talent, inspire creativity, and provide a platform where artistic gifts can flourish for the incoming students.

The commissioning likewise marks another important milestone in the university’s commitment to developing students beyond academic excellence, while providing a platform where artistic talent, innovation and cultural expression can thrive.

The new Centre is designed to provide an enabling environment for students and members of the university community to explore their creative abilities, acquire practical skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s creative industry.

The event attracted dignitaries from the academic, religious and creative sectors, including Senior Pastors and Pastors and Ministers wives from the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), as well as academics, professional artists and representatives of leading institutions and organisations in Nigeria’s creative industry.

The three-storey building comprises seven offices, three large lecture halls, seven studios and an office for the Head of Department.

It also houses two art exhibition galleries, a painting studio, Textile and Fashion Design Studio, Visual Communication Design Studio, Art History classroom, printing room, common room and drawing room, among other essential facilities.

Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Mrs. Olukoya expressed delight at the establishment of the facility, describing arts as an important instrument for education, self-expression, cultural preservation and societal development.
She noted that nurturing creativity among young people is essential in a rapidly changing world, stressing the importance of giving students opportunities to discover and develop their God-given talents.

The Centre for Fine and Applied Arts is expected to serve not only as a space for artistic production and learning, but also as a platform for innovation, exhibitions and cultural engagement. Through its activities, students will be encouraged to combine creativity with academic knowledge and practical problem-solving.

Speaking at the unveiling of the project, Dr Folashade Olukoya reflected on her personal journey with the arts and the role creativity has played in her life. She leveraged the occasion to emphasise the importance of humility, service and the responsible development of God-given talents. She revealed that her passion for art began during her childhood, at a time when she had little understanding of the significance of the creative ability she possessed. According to her, her artistic talent was a gift from God, while her ability to think deeply and engage her imagination had contributed significantly to the development of her creative expression. She explained that art should not be viewed merely from the perspective of physical objects or aesthetic beauty, stressing that it has the capacity to communicate deeper meanings and provide new ways of understanding life and the world. “Arts are deeper than the physical things that people see,” she explained, noting that art provides a means of appreciating and understanding God’s creation.

She further stated that arts encourage individuals to look beyond the surface of things, think critically and engage with ideas from different perspectives. For her, the creative process is not simply about producing beautiful objects but also about interpreting experiences, communicating ideas and discovering deeper meanings in the world. She also used the occasion to challenge the audience, particularly young people, to remain committed to their dreams and visions even when such aspirations are not immediately understood by those around them. She urged individuals not to abandon their visions simply because others could not see or appreciate the possibilities embedded in them.

According to her, the journey towards destiny often contains elements that may not be immediately understood at the beginning. She described the mystery of destiny as being embedded in the unfolding journey and the vision God gives to each individual, stressing that people must remain patient and committed to the development of their God-given abilities. She expressed optimism that the facility would produce generations of students whose knowledge, creativity and expertise would have a positive impact on society. She stated that God would raise individuals whose voices and contributions would influence and transform nations through the knowledge and skills they acquire within the building. She further noted that the vision of Mountain Top University extends beyond conventional academic instruction, emphasising that the institution is designed to help students discover their purpose, develop their abilities and ultimately fulfil their destinies.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the project was conceived and sponsored by overseers at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries as part of the University’s broader commitment to academic development and was undertaken in commemoration of the honorary award conferred on Dr Folashade Olukoya. He expressed gratitude to God for His provision throughout the development of the project and for sustaining the various stakeholders involved in its execution. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the importance of the building goes beyond its physical appearance, describing it as a manifestation of the University’s commitment to developing the intellectual, creative and practical capacities of its students.

“The significance of this project goes beyond the physical structure. It represents the commitment of Mountain Top University to the holistic development of human minds. It is a centre of innovation, where talent will be discovered, and generations of students will be empowered,” Professor Ayolabi stated. He noted that the facility would provide students with the opportunity to discover and develop their talents while acquiring the knowledge and practical competencies required to compete in an increasingly creative and knowledge-driven global economy.

Ayolabi, said the initiative also reflects Mountain Top University’s broader vision of producing well-rounded graduates equipped with the knowledge, character and skills required to make a positive impact in society as well as MTU’s continued investment in the holistic development of its students.

His words: “The new Centre represents more than a physical structure. It is a statement of confidence in the power of creativity and in the potential of young Nigerians to transform their talents into solutions, enterprises and cultural expressions that can resonate locally and globally.

“As the doors of the Centre open to students and aspiring artists, the facility is poised to become a vibrant hub of creativity—where ideas are transformed into works of art, talents are nurtured and the next generation of Nigerian creatives is inspired to dream, create and make a difference.The commissioning therefore stands as a celebration of art, education and possibility, reinforcing the message that excellence is not confined to the classroom but can also be expressed through creativity, innovation and culture.”

On his part the Head of Department, Fine and Applied Arts Mountain Top University (MTU) Dr. Kehinde Shobukonla said the major strength of the Centre is its two art exhibition galleries, which provide students with opportunities to move beyond production into professional presentation, exhibition and audience engagement, added that the facility hence connects the entire creative process from concept and research to production, critique and exhibition..

He added that Its specialised spaces include a Painting Studio, Textile and Fashion Design Studio, Visual Communication Design Studio, Art History Classroom, Printing Room, Common Room, Drawing Hall, 100 Level Studio and 200 Level Studio.

The HOD explained that the Centre’s facilities extend beyond the main building with dedicated Sculpture and Pottery Studios. The Sculpture Studio is designed as a heavy-duty workshop for welding, carving, construction, assemblage and the production of large-scale or monumental works that may not be suitable for the main building. The Pottery Studio accommodates specialised processes and equipment for moulding, glazing, firing, ceramics, glass art and related material experimentation.

According to the HOD, for students the Centre promises improved practical learning, access to specialised studios and workshops, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, professional exhibition experience and stronger preparation for careers in the expanding creative economy.

He added that the Centre has the potential to develop into a significant hub for visual arts research, exhibitions, artist residencies, masterclasses, conferences, creative entrepreneurship, community engagement and collaboration with the professional art and creative industries.

His words: ” The centre is distinguished as the first dedicated Centre for Fine and Applied Arts among private universities in Nigeria and is designed as an integrated creative environment where students can learn, create, experiment and exhibit their work It houses the Department of Fine and Applied Arts and provides purpose-built facilities for teaching, studio practice, research, creative production and exhibitions. The main facility features lecturers’ offices, lecture halls, studios, a Head of Department’s office, a departmental secretary’s office, a control room, two exhibition galleries and a conference room, in addition to male and female toilet facilities.
Its specialised spaces include a Painting Studio, Textile and Fashion Design Studio, Visual Communication Design Studio, Art History Classroom, Printing Room, Common Room, Drawing Hall, 100 Level Studio and 200 Level Studio.”

Shobukonla revealed that the Elizabeth Olukoya Centre is more than a physical structure, stressed that it represents an investment in the future of artists, designers, researchers, educators and creative entrepreneurs as well as a home for creativity, a workshop for innovation, a platform for artistic excellence and a lasting legacy for generations of creative practitioners.