Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Art Appreciation and History
Previous Lesson: Contemporary Nigerian Artists: Key Names and Contributions.
Topic: CONTEMPORARY ARTIST, ART EDUCATOR
Subject Matter: Meaning of art educator (a professional who teaches and develops art learning), Keneth Murray, Udo Ema, Solomon Wangboje, T. A Fasuyi, J.B Akolo
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define what an art educator is.
- Identify at least three notable Nigerian art educators.
- State the contributions of key Nigerian art educators.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the significant roles played by art educators in the development of Nigerian art.
- Develop an interest in researching more about Nigerian art history and its pioneers.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Discuss the importance of art education in society.
- List specific achievements or areas of influence for the mentioned art educators.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate in group discussions about the impact of art education.
- Value the efforts of individuals who have shaped art learning in Nigeria.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Akinbogun, S. A. (2010). Comprehensive Visual Art for Senior Secondary Schools. University Press PLC.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Biographies of Nigerian art educators.
- Photographs of Keneth Murray, Udo Ema, Solomon Wangboje, T. A Fasuyi, and J.B Akolo.
- Art education materials or excerpts from their works.
- Whiteboard or chalkboard.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational roles played by art educators in shaping the visual art landscape in Nigeria. It enables them to recognize the individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of art learning and practice, fostering an appreciation for Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have some basic knowledge of Nigerian art history and general concepts of art, including different forms of art and some prominent Nigerian artists.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
CONTEMPORARY ARTIST, ART EDUCATOR
Meaning of Art Educator
An art educator is a professional who specializes in teaching and developing art learning. They guide individuals in understanding, creating, and appreciating visual arts, often influencing curriculum development and artistic practice.
Notable Nigerian Art Educators and their Contributions
The following are key Nigerian art educators and their significant contributions:
- Kenneth Murray (1904-1972): A British art educator who is considered a pioneer of modern art education in Nigeria. He established art schools, notably at Government College Umuahia, and encouraged Nigerian students to explore indigenous art forms and materials, laying the groundwork for a unique Nigerian art identity.
- Udo Ema (1912-1981): A renowned Nigerian art educator and author. He made significant contributions to art education through his teaching and authorship of several influential art textbooks, which were widely used in Nigerian schools. He promoted art education at various levels of schooling.
- Solomon Wangboje (1930-1998): A distinguished Nigerian printmaker, painter, and influential art educator. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin and was instrumental in shaping art education policies and curricula. He advocated for the integration of traditional Nigerian art with contemporary practices.
- T. A. Fasuyi (1930-present): A prominent Nigerian painter, art educator, and administrator. He authored several art education books and played a crucial role in the formulation and implementation of art education policies in Nigeria. His work significantly impacted the development of art education in the country.
- J.B. Akolo (1934-2016): A celebrated Nigerian painter, sculptor, and art educator. He contributed immensely to art pedagogy, particularly at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Akolo was known for his dedication to teaching and his efforts in promoting Nigerian art forms and techniques through his academic work and personal practice.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the topic of contemporary artists and art educators by asking pupils about people who teach art.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall aspects of the previous lesson, and share their ideas about art teachers.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated, linking to the new topic.
Step 2: Meaning of Art Educator
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of an art educator as a professional who teaches and develops art learning, providing examples of their roles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and role of an art educator.
Step 3: Introduction to Notable Art Educators
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Naming/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Keneth Murray and Udo Ema, showing their photographs and briefly explaining their initial contributions to art education in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the photographs, listen to the information, and note down the names and key contributions.
Learning Point: Pupils identify two significant Nigerian art educators and their early impact.
Step 4: Other Key Educators
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Solomon Wangboje and T. A. Fasuyi, highlighting their roles as artists and educators, and their contributions to art curriculum development and policy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing any prior knowledge, and noting down their contributions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about more prominent art educators and their broader influence.
Step 5: J.B. Akolo and Synthesis
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses J.B. Akolo’s contributions and then synthesizes the overall importance of these educators in shaping Nigerian art.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute to the summary of the educators’ impact.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a comprehensive understanding of the educators’ collective influence.
Step 6: Importance of Art Education
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to discuss the importance of art education in society and for individual development.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils brainstorm and list various reasons why art education is important.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the societal and personal benefits of art education.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Who is an art educator?
- Mention three notable Nigerian art educators discussed today.
- State one significant contribution of Keneth Murray to Nigerian art education.
- Why is art education important?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and gives an assignment: “Research and write a short paragraph on another contemporary Nigerian artist who is also an art educator.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is concluded, and learning is reinforced with an assignment.
Lesson Keywords
- Art educator – A professional who teaches and develops art learning.
- Contemporary artist – An artist creating art in the present day.
- Keneth Murray – Pioneer art educator in Nigeria.
- Udo Ema – Renowned art educator and author.
- Solomon Wangboje – Influential printmaker and art educator.
- T. A Fasuyi – Painter, art educator, and policy contributor.
- J.B Akolo – Painter, sculptor, and art educator.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research specific art movements or artistic styles associated with the educators. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and more direct questioning during discussions, focusing on identifying names and basic contributions.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure you have clear images or biographical sketches of the mentioned art educators to enhance visual learning. Encourage pupils to discuss how these educators’ work still impacts contemporary art education in Nigeria. Emphasize the connection between their contributions and the curriculum pupils follow today. You may also bring in examples of art forms or techniques that these educators promoted.

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