UI students organise ‘first comic art convention’

A group of University of Ibadan students who identify themselves as the UI Comic Team have organised a campus comic convention, which is the ‘first of its kind in universities’ across Nigeria.

The programme, which was supported by Simple Empire and took place on Saturday at the Small Lecture Theatre (SLT), Faculty of Arts, witnessed the presence of a number of young artists, painters and art enthusiasts who showcased their various talents.

One of the organisers of the programme, Adedayo Eric, a 200 level student of the Department of Philosophy, explained that the programme was brought about by the effort of a group of students, including himself.

He further explained that the event was aimed at promoting comic art and art generally.

Giving insight into the plans on ground, he also mentioned that, by next year, the UI Comic Team will have become fully established such that the campus comic convention will become a programme organised yearly with the participation of different universities.

“We’re going to be having the Nigerian Campus Comic that will comprise universities in Nigeria. We’ll be focusing on the UI Comic Team also. It’s going to be a yearly event. This place is not going to occupy us from next year,” he stated.

Explaining the aims of the comic team, he mentioned that their activities will serve as a means of engaging interested students in extracurricular activities, building certain artistic skills in the members and also affording them some job opportunities.

“After UI, as a comic artist, when you have built yourself, you can go outside making money,” he said.

At the event, the maiden edition of the team’s comic magazine tagged ‘The Advocate’ was launched and it was also mentioned that, in subsequent years, more than one comic book shall be launched at the same time.