L-R: The Registrar, YABATECH, Henrietta Badejo; Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul; Chairman, Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, Bimbo Akintola and a member of the Governing Council, Saheed Balogun at the signing of the MoU between Threatremeter and the YABATECH management on the YCT Centre for Filmmaking held at the college on Saturday: Photo: YABATECH
Yaba College of Technology has partnered with Threatremeter Nigeria Limited to establish a Centre for Filmmaking and Production to train students and members of the public in acting, directing and other aspects of film production.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the college, with the Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul; Registrar, Henrietta Badejo; Chairman of Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, Bimbo Akintola; and Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, in attendance.
Abdul said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic training and the demands of the creative industry by equipping participants with practical skills relevant to the workplace.
“We are not producing people that will work in the college; we are producing people that will work in the industry,” he said.
The rector said the partnership would promote knowledge exchange between academic experts and industry professionals, creating opportunities for students to acquire skills directly relevant to the film and entertainment sector.
He said YABATECH was determined to address concerns that graduates often lacked the practical competencies required by employers.
“We want to end the era of saying your products are not fit for the industry,” Abdul said, stressing the need for educational institutions and industry players to collaborate in developing relevant skills.
He expressed optimism that the centre would position the college as a platform for nurturing professionals in acting, directing, production and other areas of the creative industry.
Earlier, the Head of the Centre for Filmmaking and Production, Dr Akindele Omotosho, said the centre would offer training in acting, directing and other aspects of film production, with participants expected to acquire professional skills and certification.
Omotosho described the film industry as a source of business and employment opportunities, adding that the college intended to harness its potential for students and the wider society.
In her remarks, Akintola described education and skills development as essential investments in the future, pledging to deploy her expertise and available resources to support the centre.
She said the growing global recognition of Nigeria’s film industry made quality professional training necessary to sustain its development.
According to her, the centre would bring experienced professionals into the training of aspiring practitioners.
“I am passionate about teaching. I am passionate about children. I am passionate about education. I am passionate about film. So, all my passions are in one boat,” Akintola said.
Balogun, an actor and member of the college’s Governing Council, described the partnership as the fulfilment of a vision he had advocated for the institution.
He said YABATECH had the potential to become a major hub for Nigeria’s creative industry, citing its foundation in technology and skills development.
Balogun urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to invest more in creative-industry infrastructure at the college, saying the initiative could generate employment, revenue and internationally recognised creative products.
He also expressed confidence in Akintola’s capacity to contribute to the centre, citing her experience in stage and screen performance.
The event was attended by the Deputy Rector, Administration, Femi Lawal; Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr Ismail Badmus; and other principal officers of the college.