Kaduna Poly to unveil new fashion talents at 2026 runway

"The programme is expected to bring together hundreds of fashion students, industry professionals, employers, creative entrepreneurs and alumni, with a focus on linking fashion education with employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and the wider creative industry." Dr Alabi Usman Dauda

.... Says "the major highlight of the event would be the FAS 402 Fashion Runway Academy Exercise, a compulsory component of the academic assessment of the department’s 400-level graduating students."

The Department of Fashion Design and Clothing Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, is set to showcase emerging fashion talents as it hosts its 2026 Fashion Runway Academy Exercise, Fashion Career Fair and 10th anniversary celebration.

The event, themed, “Redefining Art and Craft in Nigerian Fashion,” is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the institution’s Convocation Square from 9am.

The programme is expected to bring together hundreds of fashion students, industry professionals, employers, creative entrepreneurs and alumni, with a focus on linking fashion education with employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and the wider creative industry.

A statement by the Head of Department, Dr Alabi Usman Dauda, said the major highlight of the event would be the FAS 402 Fashion Runway Academy Exercise, a compulsory component of the academic assessment of the department’s 400-level graduating students.

According to him, the runway exercise will give the students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in fashion design, styling, modelling, presentation and runway production before external assessors and industry practitioners.

The statement added that the Fashion Career Fair would enable students to interact directly with fashion professionals, employers, entrepreneurs and alumni, with opportunities for employment, internships, mentorship, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.

The event will also feature an Alumnae Innovation Marketplace, where graduates of the department will display fashion products and creative enterprises developed after graduation.

The marketplace is expected to provide opportunities for the alumnae to promote their businesses, engage potential customers and partners, and inspire current students through practical examples of entrepreneurship.

The 10th anniversary celebration will equally feature a historical exhibition showcasing the department’s journey, achievements and development over the past decade as an autonomous academic department.

The department said the programme was designed to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, cultural heritage, practical learning and professional standards in Nigeria’s fashion industry.

It added that the event would enhance the visibility of Kaduna Polytechnic’s Fashion Design programme, attract prospective students, support increased enrolment and strengthen partnerships between the institution and the fashion industry.

The department invited fashion industry stakeholders, employers, entrepreneurs, alumnae, prospective students, members of the Kaduna Polytechnic community, media organisations and the general public to attend the event.