Department of Industrial Design
School of Environmental Technology (SET) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Industrial Design at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a creative center of excellence within the School of Environmental Technology (SET), dedicated to advancing innovation in graphics, textiles, and ceramics design. Our department is committed to developing skilled designers who combine artistic creativity with technological innovation to create functional, aesthetic, and commercially viable products that address societal needs and drive industrial growth.
Industrial Design at FUTA emphasizes the integration of art, technology, and industry through three specialized sections: Graphic Design, Textile Design, and Ceramics. Our comprehensive five-year curriculum covers visual communication principles, design fundamentals, product development, material science, production techniques, and business aspects of design practice. Students develop expertise through foundational art courses, specialized studio work, computer-aided design, material experimentation, and professional internships.
The department features state-of-the-art studio facilities including graphic design studios with professional printing equipment, textile workshops with weaving looms, dyeing facilities, and screen printing equipment, as well as ceramics studios with pottery wheels, kilns, and glazing facilities. We emphasize hands-on learning through studio practice, exhibitions, and industry collaborations. Our faculty members combine academic expertise with professional industry experience, mentoring students to develop both creative vision and practical skills for the competitive design marketplace.
Graduates of our Industrial Design program are highly sought-after creative professionals in the design, manufacturing, advertising, and creative industries. They demonstrate expertise in visual communication, textile production, ceramic artistry, product development, and design entrepreneurship. Our alumni excel as graphic designers, textile designers, ceramic artists, product designers, art directors, and creative entrepreneurs, significantly contributing to Nigeria's creative economy and industrial development.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Industrial Design - 5-year undergraduate program
- M.Tech in Industrial Design - Postgraduate studies
- Ph.D in Industrial Design - Doctoral research
Specialized Areas
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication
- Textile Design and Production
- Ceramics and Pottery
- Product Design and Development
- Digital Design and CAD
- Packaging Design
- Fashion and Surface Design
- Art Direction and Branding
Studio and Workshop Facilities
Graphic Design Studio
Digital design workstations, printing equipment, photography studio, color management
Textile Workshop
Weaving looms, dyeing facilities, screen printing, fabric finishing equipment
Ceramics Studio
Pottery wheels, kilns, glazing facilities, clay preparation, firing equipment
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research across multiple industrial design domains:
Visual Communication and Graphic Design
Brand identity, advertising design, digital graphics, typography, illustration, packaging design, and visual storytelling for commercial applications.
Textile Design and Innovation
Fabric design, weaving techniques, surface pattern design, dyeing and finishing, sustainable textiles, and fashion applications.
Ceramics and Pottery Design
Ceramic sculpture, functional pottery, glazing techniques, kiln firing, indigenous ceramics, and industrial ceramic applications.
Product Design and Development
Consumer product design, prototyping, user-centered design, ergonomics, and design for manufacturing.
Digital Design and Technology
Computer-aided design (CAD), digital printing, 3D modeling, animation, and emerging design technologies.
Sustainable Design Practices
Eco-friendly materials, sustainable production methods, recycling in design, and environmentally conscious creativity.
Cultural and Indigenous Design
Nigerian design heritage, traditional crafts, cultural aesthetics, and contemporary interpretation of indigenous design elements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Industrial Design enjoy diverse career paths in the creative and manufacturing industries:
Graphic Designer
Visual identity, advertising, digital design, branding
Textile Designer
Fabric design, surface patterns, fashion textiles
Ceramic Designer / Artist
Pottery, ceramic sculpture, functional ceramics
Product Designer
Consumer products, packaging, industrial design
Art Director
Creative direction, visual campaigns, brand management
Fashion Designer
Clothing design, fashion styling, textile applications
Academic & Researcher
University lecturers, design researchers
Visual Merchandiser
Retail display, exhibition design, spatial design
Design Entrepreneur
Design studio owner, creative business founder
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Industrial Design now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General LibraryAdmission Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum UTME score of 160-180+
- Subject combination: English Language, Chemistry, Mathematics, and any of Economics, Biology, Geography, Technical Drawing
- Five O'Level credits in two sittings maximum
- Credit passes must include: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, and any other two from Economics, Physics, Technical Drawing, Fine Art, Geography
- Credit or Pass in Fine Art is an additional advantage
Direct Entry Requirements (200 Level)
- A'Level Credit in Cambridge/IJMBE/JUPEB in relevant subjects
- GCE (Advanced Level) with minimum of Credit in two subjects from English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Fine Art, Technical Drawing, Economics
- ND with minimum of Upper Credit from recognised institutions
- Plus O'Level requirements as stated above