Visual Literacy in Nigerian Media Education: Curriculum Gaps and Implications for Graduate Employability in the Creative Economy
1*Abdulrasheed A. Afolabi & 2Azeez A. Ayodele
1*Department of Book Publishing, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, Nigeria, Email: rasheed.afolabi@yabatech.edu.ng
2Department of Industrial Design, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, Nigeria, Email: ayazayodele@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper examines the role of visual literacy competencies in strengthening graduate employability within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy. Despite the increasingly image-driven media space that requires communication professionals to possess competencies in visual storytelling, media education in Nigeria remains largely anchored in text-based communication models. Using content analysis, the study evaluates the integration of visual literacy within the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Communication and Media Studies in Nigeria, alongside findings from previous empirical studies and comparative insights from a graphic communication curriculum. The analysis revealed that visual literacy is unevenly represented across Nigerian media programmes, with significant deficiencies in design training, imaging skills, visual ethics, colour theory, and multimedia production. Findings further indicate a mismatch between curriculum content and labour market expectations, despite the need for competencies in digital visualization, creative software, multimedia production, and visual communication. This dominance of theoretical and verbal communication modules weakens graduates’ readiness for the digital creative economy. Thus, strengthening visual literacy competencies in media education is essential for enhancing graduate employability, fostering innovation, and positioning Nigeria competitively within the global creative economy. The integration of foundational visual communication courses, interdisciplinary visual media studies specializations, and industry-oriented practical training into Nigerian media education is recommended.
Keywords: Visual literacy; Media education; Graduate employability; Creative economy; Digital communication
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