Ezra Rabo. Samuila
The practice of apprenticeship has played an important role in the development of artists throughout history. Before the establishment of formal art schools, many artists learned their craft under the guidance of experienced masters. Through observation, repetition, correction, and mentorship, apprentices gradually acquired the technical skills and discipline required to become successful practitioners. Today, however, the culture of apprenticeship appears to be declining. Rapid technological advancement, the growth of online learning platforms, and changing attitudes among young people have altered how artistic knowledge is acquired. While these developments have created new opportunities for learning, they have also reduced interest in the traditional process of learning directly from experienced artists.
Apprenticeship is one of the oldest forms of education. Long before formal institutions emerged, people learned skills by observing and working with those who had mastered them. In the arts, apprenticeship involves a learner submitting to the guidance of a more experienced practitioner for a period of time in order to acquire technical competence, professional ethics, and practical knowledge. Many successful individuals across different fields began their careers as apprentices. Leonardo da Vinci trained under the painter Andrea del Verrocchio before becoming one of the most celebrated artists in history. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen started as an apprentice tailor before rising to international prominence. In Nigeria, several accomplished artists also benefited from mentorship and apprenticeship before establishing themselves professionally.
Despite these examples, many young artists today prefer alternative routes to learning. Interviews conducted with artists from Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory reveal several reasons for this shift. One major factor is the desire for quick success. Many young people want immediate results and are often unwilling to invest the time required to develop their skills through a gradual learning process. Apprenticeship demands patience, discipline, and commitment, qualities that are increasingly challenged by a culture that celebrates instant achievement.
Another important factor is the influence of technology. The internet has made artistic information more accessible than ever before. Young artists can watch tutorials, study techniques, and share their works online without ever entering a traditional studio environment. While these resources are valuable, they sometimes create the impression that mentorship is no longer necessary. Social media also contributes to the problem. Many emerging artists spend significant time comparing themselves to others online rather than focusing on steady artistic growth. The pressure to gain visibility, recognition, and followers often encourages shortcuts instead of sustained learning. Some respondents also pointed to issues associated with the apprenticeship system itself. In certain cases, masters may be difficult to work with, impose unnecessary demands, or fail to create supportive learning environments. Such experiences discourage young people from committing themselves to long periods of training.
Economic realities further complicate the situation. Many young artists face financial pressures that make it difficult to dedicate several years to apprenticeship. Others combine artistic pursuits with formal education, employment, or business activities, leaving limited time for intensive studio-based learning. Lack of awareness is another challenge. Some young artists underestimate the value of mentorship. They often focus on technical skills while overlooking the professional guidance, discipline, and practical experience that apprenticeship provides. Yet, beyond learning how to draw or paint, apprenticeship teaches problem-solving, perseverance, humility, and professional conduct. The decline of apprenticeship has important implications for artistic development. While self-learning and digital resources provide useful opportunities, they cannot completely replace the knowledge gained through direct interaction with experienced practitioners. Artistic growth often involves correction, dialogue, observation, and exposure to real-world professional experiences—elements that are difficult to obtain through online learning alone. This does not mean that apprenticeship must remain unchanged. Rather, it should evolve to meet contemporary realities. Traditional mentorship can be combined with digital learning, workshops, residencies, and short-term studio programmes. Art institutions, galleries, cultural organizations, and government agencies can also support apprenticeship schemes through grants, fellowships, and training initiatives.
The future of artistic development depends on finding a balance between tradition and innovation. Technology provides valuable tools, but it should complement rather than replace mentorship. Young artists who learn from experienced practitioners build stronger foundations for their careers and are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the art world. Apprenticeship may be declining, but it does not have to disappear. By promoting its benefits and adapting it to contemporary needs, the art community can preserve an important tradition that has shaped generations of artists. The master-apprentice relationship remains one of the most effective ways of transmitting artistic knowledge, professional values, and creative excellence from one generation to the next.