First Female Dean of Yaba Art School Champions Merit Over Gender in Leadership
Chinyere Ndubuisi, a practicing sculptor and academic, has made history as the first female Dean of the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology at Yaba Art School. With a PhD in Visual Arts from the University of Lagos, she combines teaching, research, administration, and studio practice, driven by a passion for art, education, and cultural expression.
A Humbling Journey to Leadership
Reflecting on her career, Ndubuisi described her appointment as a humbling experience. "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. "It showed that gender and ethnicity do not have a place when one has proven oneself to be hardworking and a person of integrity." She explained that her leadership role came with dynamics, but she focused on competence, fairness, consistency, and transparency to build trust among colleagues.
She was chosen over two male contestants, with minimal politicking, as her achievements as Head of Department spoke for themselves. "I see the journey not as a personal victory, but as progress for the Yaba Art School," she added, viewing her role as a responsibility to mentor younger academics, especially women.
Support and Challenges in Academia
Ndubuisi highlighted the strong bond among female colleagues, who supported her through collaborative efforts. "Academia can be demanding, and having colleagues who understand the pressures makes a difference," she noted. Her passion for art and education, along with her faith, kept her motivated, even during challenging times with administrative demands and limited resources.
She faced moments of pressure but persevered by focusing on her impact on students and the vision for the school. "The vision for the School and the impact on students kept me going," she said.
Artistic Practice and Major Projects
As a multimedia artist, Ndubuisi's practice is research-oriented and culturally reflective, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and symbolism. For outdoor sculpture, she prefers bronze and fiberglass, striving to balance aesthetics, technical precision, and narrative meaning.
Recently, she executed three major outdoor sculptures:
- A 13-foot fiberglass statue of Pa Ade Ashiru
- A 3-foot bust of Ndubuisi Kanu at Alausa
- A 4-foot bust of the late Chief Anthony Onwumere
These projects involved logistical and environmental challenges, but with proper coordination, they were delivered successfully, increasing conversations around contemporary public sculpture and expanding her professional network.
Yaba Art School's Growth and Research Focus
Yaba Art School, with seven departments including Fine Art and Fashion Design, is managing steady enrollment growth to maintain quality. Ndubuisi's research focuses on Nigerian art and culture, with recent presentations in the US on Ikenga and Black Sacred Art.
"I have researched extensively on Oye-Ekiti Christian Art and the effects of culture on religion," she said. Her papers at Yale University and Tennessee State University examined Ikenga as a symbol of strength and achievement in Igbo cosmology, and she commended Innoson Motors for preserving the Ikenga symbol through their SUV model.
Reflections on Women's Month and Leadership
As International Women's Day is marked, Ndubuisi reflected on the resilience 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," she stated.
She hopes her journey encourages young women to aspire boldly and prepare diligently, emphasizing that leadership is service. "I remain committed to mentoring, empowering, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women and creatives. When women rise, institutions rise, and society progresses," she concluded.
