By Hajara Muhammad Gambo

Students of Fashion Design and Clothing Technology Department, Kaduna Polytechnic on Saturday showcased their creativity and innovative designs at the 10th anniversary of the department’s Fashion Runway and Career Fair.

The event, themed “Redefining Art and Craft in Nigerian Fashion”, featured fashion displays and bridal showcases highlighting the students’ practical training and readiness for the industry.

In his remarks, the Head of the Department , Dr Usman Alabi said the event provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, technical competence, confidence and preparedness for the fashion marketplace.

Alabi described fashion as more than clothing, saying it represented culture, identity, technology, business and employment.

He said Nigeria’s rich traditions in Adire, Aso-Oke, Ankara, weaving, dyeing, embroidery and embellishment provided a strong foundation for innovative products capable of competing in local and international markets.

“As fashion designers, our job is to turn traditional fashion into products that can be sold, while using materials wisely and protecting the environment,” he said.

Alabi described the Department of Fashion Design and Clothing Technology as a department with the potential to become a leading centre of fashion innovation.

He called on alumni to remain connected with the institution by mentoring, training and guiding students.

He also encouraged parents to consider fashion design for their children, noting that the skills acquired could create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

“Our goal is to show that Northern Nigeria has huge fashion talent and to help our graduates create jobs, businesses and solutions while preserving our culture,” he said.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Suleiman Umar, represented by Dr Paul Bartholomew, said the event marked a decade of students showcasing their skills and demonstrating their readiness for the labour market.

Umar said the fair connected students with industry players and demonstrated that their training went beyond classroom theory to include practical skills.

He commended the students for their creativity and innovation, particularly in their various designs and bridal showcases.

“The event is part of the final-year defence, where students showcase their practical work to the world. The department hopes it will attract more students to enrol,” he said.

A participant and graduate, Maryam Adamu, said the showcase demonstrated the institution’s commitment to practical learning and entrepreneurial development.

“This shows the school is doing well beyond academics. Students are gaining the skills and entrepreneurial training needed to succeed in the real world,” she said.

Another participant, Badurideen Qoseem, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event, describing fashion design as a discipline requiring creativity and craftsmanship beyond sewing and tailoring.

“Being a fashion student is not easy. People think it is just sewing or tailoring, but it is really about creativity and craftsmanship.

“I am very happy to be graduating today, and my friends who came are also impressed by what we have created,” he said.

Qoseem advised junior students to remain determined, persevere and consistently give their best to their work.