The recently concluded Fobally Art World Africa Students National and State Art Competition once again reaffirmed its place as one of Nigeria’s most important platforms for emerging creatives. This year’s edition gathered an inspiring mix of 51 secondary school students and undergraduates from across the country, each interpreting themes that challenged them to envision a brighter Lagos and a more hopeful nation. In the secondary school category, the theme was to paint ‘My Aspired Lagos.’ While the Undergraduates category had a theme titled, ‘My Aspired Nation.’

Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! Photographs courtesy Fobally Art Gallery Library

It was a resounding grand finale at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was a colourful convergence of talent, culture, and youthful imagination, culminating in outstanding presentations that highlighted the depth of artistic potential within Nigeria’s next generation. With an atmosphere charged by performances, expert jurors, eminent personalities and the unveiling of exceptional works, the event not only celebrated artistic excellence but also strengthened Fobally’s mission to nurture young creatives and position art as a tool for nation-building.

Here are some highlights from the 2025 Fobally Art World Africa National and State Art Competition for Secondary Schools and the Undergraduates

Nationwide Reach and Youth Engagement
The 2025 edition drew in a broad cross-section of Nigerian youth secondary school students and undergraduates from across the country, emphasising Fobally’s role as a national platform for creative expression. In total, 51 participants were auditioned to participate in this year’s edition.

Live Painting Studio Experience at Fobally

One of the standout features of the competition was the live-painting session hosted at the Fobally Art Gallery. Participants who had earlier submitted their online entries were invited to the gallery to demonstrate their creative process in real time. In addition to producing artworks on the spot, each artist was also required to write a short essay based on their assigned theme. This was a unique element that tested both their artistic expression and conceptual understanding.

Ambitious Themes for Social Imagination

The competition challenged participants to think boldly about their environment and future. Secondary school students created under the theme “My Aspired Lagos,” envisioning a city shaped by innovation, culture, and community. Undergraduates took on the broader theme “My Aspired Nigeria or Nation,” using their art to reimagine a country filled with possibility, progress, and unity. Through these powerful ideas, young creatives were invited to express not just skill but also hope. A reflection that really affirmed that the artist is the mirror of the society.

Diverse Mediums and Contemporary Issues

The competition embraced creativity in all its forms, extending far beyond traditional painting. Young artists experimented with mixed media, drawing, and other innovative techniques to illuminate the urgent issues shaping our world today from food security and biodiversity, to cultural heritage, and national identity. Through both their live artworks and reflective essays, participants demonstrated how art can challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful dialogue.

Mentorship and Development Beyond the Competition

More than just a contest, the Fobally initiative is shaping a long-term creative ecosystem. iBAND observes that participants benefit from mentorship, exhibition platforms, and valuable connections with established artists. By supporting young talents beyond the event itself, Fobally is intentionally nurturing a new generation of culturally aware and socially engaged creators who will drive the future of Nigerian art.

Significant Prizes for Winners

The competition offered substantial rewards to celebrate artistic excellence. In the undergraduate category, Iyiola Joshua of Mountain Top University emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦1,000,000. The first and second runners-up were awarded ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 respectively.

For the secondary school category, Chinonso Mba, a student of Ambassador College clinched the top position, taking home ₦500,000. The first and second runners-up also received recognition for their creativity, earning ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.

A Spectacular Finish as Fobally Hosts a Star-Studded Finale
The grand finale, held at the prestigious Oriental Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos, drew a distinguished audience that included dignitaries, eminent Nigerians, and notable figures from the arts and education sectors. Families, teachers, and fellow students were present in full support, creating an atmosphere of pride and celebration around the young participants.

Present were Dr. Lemmy Omololu Omoyinmi, a seasoned technocrat, Larry Segun – Lean, the Chief Executive Officer of Mind of the Masters Creative Gallery Limited, Dr. Adeola Balogun, a renowned metal sculptor, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, a renowned printmaker and head of the jury, Edna Ekenimoh, a visual artist with 23 years teaching experience at Lagoon School, and Ato Arinze, a renowned sculptor and founder of Artzero, just to mention but a few.

Adding to the atmosphere of the event, talented youths delivered captivating poetry and spoken word performances inspired by the competition’s dual themes on “My Aspired Lagos” and “My Aspired Nation.” Their expressions further reinforced the power of creative storytelling in shaping conversations about the future.