DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND APPLIED ART

This project explores how to create an effective workstation area in the Graphic Design and Communications Studio at the University of Benin. It uses various research methods and design principles to address practical challenges and enhance graphic design education.

The project follows Creswell's (2014) approach to applied research design, focusing on gathering relevant data and applying it to real-world issues. It targets the graphic design studios for 300 and 400 level students at the university, where more workstations are urgently needed.

The results demonstrate a comprehensive approach to workstation design that addresses actual challenges in graphic design education. Recommendations include regular maintenance, ongoing adjustments based on evolving needs, and active involvement of stakeholders for optimal studio performance.

This research encompasses the significance of signage in enhancing branding, communication, safety, and accessibility within the University of Benin’s Ekehuan Campus. Signage plays a vital role in educational settings by fostering a unified institutional identity, improving user experience, and ensuring safety—especially during emergencies. Additionally, the study highlights that the needs of persons with disabilities are frequently neglected, thereby limiting equitable access to campus facilities. The research examines core design elements—including typography, color schemes, imagery, and spatial placement—and their influence on branding, user experience, and inclusivity. The aim of this study is to provide practical recommendations for enhancing signage design that aligns with the university’s visual identity and accessibility standards. By addressing existing shortcomings, the study seeks to create a more functional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all users, including individuals with disabilities. The findings are anticipated to guide future signage design practices that promote improved user engagement, safety, and accessibility across academic institutions.

Idia was an ordinary little girl who had an extraordinary dream about a brave female warrior with magical healing powers. Curious, she begged her father to teach her how to be a warrior and her mother to teach her the art of magic and medicine. Little did she know that she would become the brave warrior in her dream as well as the first Queen mother of the ancient Benin Kingdom. This story of perseverance and courage to learn about the history of one of Africa’s most illustrious queens. The kingdom of Benin has indeed experienced so many reforms and development at different periods of its history. These reforms were not solely carried out by men but these were some outstanding women who made great impact in Benin. These great women who made immense contributions to the rich cultural heritage of the land of Benin cannot be over looked in the study of the kingdom; most prominent among them was Queen Idia the first female warrior that ever lived ¡n Benin kingdom. Idia was said to have been a very beautiful and strong-willed woman who had unusual super natural powers. She is described as an extraordinarily- power personality who continues to loom large in Benin cultural imaginations: she changed the status quo and made remarkable developments both in the political, cultural and social spheres of the empire. She is credited for being knowledgeable in esoteric and was also very strong in the use of occult powers. According to Osewengie Ebohon, “Idia was not an ordinary woman”