‘My success is Yaba Art School’s gain‘

Reflecting on her journey at the SADP, Ndubuisi whose tenure as Dean of the School ended last Wednesday March 18, said being the first female HOD of Fine Art and later the first female Dean of the great Yaba Art School was a humbling experience. She said that it shows that gender and ethnicity do not have a place when one has proven oneself to be hard-working and a person of integrity. Leadership positions, she added, naturally come with their dynamics, and mine was no exception. “Although I experienced differing opinions and occasional administrative politics, I chose to remain focused on competence, fairness, consistency, and transparency, which have helped me build trust among my colleagues. I see the journey not as a personal victory, but as progress for the Yaba Art School,” she said.

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She described her journey at SADP not as a struggle because the female members are fewer than the men, as is often the case in art schools, but we have a bond and do things together.  She acknowledged that these collaborative efforts naturally extended to her leadership, thus attracted maximum support from her female colleagues in different ways.

Dr. Ndubuisi noted that academia could be demanding, but that having colleagues who understand the pressures make a difference, and their support strengthened her.

On what this portends to her career, she said: “At first, I felt great, having made history. Later, I realised it was more about responsibility than celebration. I now understand that leadership is about service and example. I felt a deeper obligation to mentor younger academics, especially women, and I work tirelessly to justify the confidence placed in me.”

Her passion for art and education, as well as her faith in God, and seeing students grow creatively and professionally make her feel deeply fulfilling. According to her, knowing that her hard work is appreciated, like when the College awarded her Best Dean of the Year 2024, keeps her motivated, even during challenging times.

By promoting collaborations in line with the College mandate, she bridges the gap between classical craftsmanship and future-facing industry demands. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom to foster global partnerships, positioning the institution as a central hub for creative design discourse and cultural exchange. Beyond academic restructuring, her tenure is distinguished by a profound shift in institutional culture and equity. A landmark achievement is the implementation of inclusive hiring practices and mentorship programmes that diversify the SADP and student body, ensuring a wider range of perspectives in the creative process. Through high-profile exhibitions and public programming in partnership with other stakeholders in the sector, she elevates the School’s prestige, proving that a commitment to social responsibility and aesthetic excellence are mutually reinforcing goals.

Her post-school practice as a sculptor and teacher of late has become more research-oriented and culturally reflective. Outside commissioned works, she explores themes of identity, heritage, and symbolism. “I am a multimedia artist, but for outdoor sculpture, I prefer bronze and fiberglass. I strive to balance aesthetics, technical precision, and narrative meaning in all my works,” she affirmed.

Her recent commissioned public works include the Angola High Commission’s 6-foot bust of Late General Murtala Mohammed for his 50th memorial last month. The commission was in appreciation of the role Mohammed played in the independence of Angola; a 13-foot fiberglass statue of Pa Ade Ashiru, a 3-foot bust of Ndubuisi Kanu at Alausa, and the 4-foot bust of Late Chief Anthony Onwumere. 

These works have increased conversations around contemporary public sculpture, and she has gained more visibility through them. The projects have also expanded her professional network beyond Lagos and strengthened confidence among her patrons.

Explaining how Yaba Art School, which is one of the most sought-after art schools in the country, has been managing the increasing students’ enrollment, Dr. Ndubuisi said that currently SADP has seven departments namely Fine Art, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Printing Technology, Book Publishing, and Photography. “We are managing growth carefully to ensure that facilities, studios, and staffing align with student numbers, because we cannot compromise on quality. It remains our priority as we uphold the saying that we are the “First and Still the Best.”

Completing an eventful tenure as Dean in the month of this year’s International Women’s Day, provided her the opportunity to reflect not just on her personal journey, but also on the resilience, strength, and quiet determination of women in academia and the arts. “My emergence as the first female HOD and first female Dean in this School is not merely a personal milestone; rather, it is a reminder that competence, dedication, and integrity know no gender. I hope my journey encourages young women to aspire boldly, prepare themselves diligently, and never limit their dreams. Leadership is service, and women bring compassion, structure, and strength to leadership spaces,” she said.