By Edirin Robinson, Kaduna
The Department of Fashion Design and Clothing Technology at Kaduna Polytechnic has marked its 10th anniversary as an autonomous academic unit, reaffirming its commitment to practical training, entrepreneurship and the development of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The anniversary celebration, held at the institution’s convocation ground, featured a fashion runway academic exercise and a career fair designed to showcase students’ creative abilities and strengthen the link between classroom learning and industry requirements.
The event brought together institutional leaders, fashion industry practitioners, alumni, staff and graduating Higher National Diploma (HND II) students.
Speaking at the occasion, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr. Suleiman Umar, represented by Dr. Paul Bartholomew, described the milestone as evidence of the vision, dedication and resilience of the department’s leadership, staff, students, alumni and industry partners.
He said the department had continued to equip students with artistic, technical and digital skills needed to compete in Nigeria’s expanding creative economy.
According to him, the fashion runway exercise and career fair provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their practical abilities while exposing them to the expectations of the fashion industry.
“The Fashion Runway exercise and career fair bridge the gap between classroom training and industry needs, showcasing how practical learning produces self-reliant graduates capable of redefining arts and crafts in Nigerian fashion,” he said.
The rector urged industry stakeholders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs to strengthen their collaboration with the institution to transform local creative talents into viable and sustainable commercial enterprises.
He stressed the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector in creating opportunities for graduates and expanding the economic value of Nigeria’s fashion industry.
Earlier, the Head of the Department, Dr. Usman Alabi Dauda, said fashion design extended beyond garment production, describing it as a discipline that combines culture, identity, technology, business and employment.
“Fashion is more than clothing; it represents culture, identity, technology, business, and employment,” he said.
He added that fashion design required rigorous academic and practical training, noting that the department was committed to producing graduates capable of meeting the demands of a competitive industry.
Dauda said the department’s ambition was to position Kaduna as a major centre for fashion design and enterprise by transforming indigenous textile traditions, including Adire, Aso-Oke and Kara weaving, into products capable of competing in international markets.
He commended the institution’s management, former heads of department, retired staff and alumni for their contributions to the department’s development.
The HOD also called on investors, media organisations and technology companies to support the region’s emerging fashion ecosystem, stressing the need to create stronger links between creativity, technology and commercial opportunities.
In her remarks, the representative of the Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Mrs. Naomi Dan Azumi, commended the graduating HND II students for demonstrating practical competence in garment construction, styling, modelling and runway production.
She urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and high professional standards, noting that the fashion industry offered opportunities for wealth creation and self-employment.
“Look beyond obtaining certificates. Use your practical skills, embrace innovation, and serve as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna Polytechnic,” she said.
The anniversary celebration ended with runway presentations and exhibition assessments, during which students showcased designs combining traditional Nigerian textiles with contemporary fashion styles.
The presentations provided an opportunity to demonstrate the department’s emphasis on practical learning and the application of technical and creative skills in fashion production.
