Alex Nwokolo

Alex Nwokolo (b. 1963) developed an early fascination with art during his teenage years. By the mid-1970s and early 1980s, he was a regular visitor at the National Museum Art Club in Onikan, Lagos—an experience that deepened his artistic interest and eventually led him to pursue formal art education. In 1986, he gained admission to study Fine Arts at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.

At the time, the art school was relatively new, with a faculty of young artists and academics. The close rapport between teachers and students fostered a vibrant learning environment that demystified art education. Nwokolo graduated with distinction in 1991, receiving the Rector’s Certificate of Excellence and the American Ambassador’s Award for Artistic Achievement in Painting. He later obtained a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the University of Benin in 2000.

Renowned for his bold and vividly coloured compositions, Nwokolo’s work has earned both national and international recognition. In 2004, he was awarded the Guinness Certificate of Merit. His paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions and auctions across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and South Africa.