From left: Registrar, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mrs Henrietta Badejo; Rector, Dr Engr Ibraheem Abdul; Chairman of Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, Bimbo Akintola; and member of the YABATECH Governing Council, Ambassador Saheed Balogun, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YABATECH and Threatremeter Nigeria Limited for the establishment of the Centre for Filmmaking and Production at the College.
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has partnered with Threatremeter Nigeria Limited to establish a Centre for Filmmaking and Production aimed at equipping students and aspiring practitioners with professional skills for Nigeria’s growing creative industry.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the college, will combine YABATECH’s academic and technical expertise with the practical experience of professionals in Nigeria’s film and theatre industry.
Renowned Nigerian actress and theatre practitioner, Bimbo Akintola, is championing the initiative through Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, which is collaborating with the institution to develop the centre.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic training and the practical demands of the creative industry.
Abdul explained that the establishment of the centre had undergone the necessary institutional processes, including consideration by the Academic Board and approval by the Governing Council.
He said the college was committed to producing graduates with the practical competencies required by employers and industry practitioners.
“We are not producing people that will work in the College; we are producing people that will work in the industry,” the rector said.
According to him, the partnership will promote knowledge-sharing between academic experts and industry professionals while creating opportunities for students to acquire practical skills relevant to filmmaking, entertainment and production.
He added that closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry practitioners was necessary to address persistent concerns about graduates’ readiness for the workplace.
“We want to end the era of saying your products are not fit for the industry,” Abdul said.
The rector described the creative industry as an important contributor to Nigeria’s economic future, noting that YABATECH, as a technical and vocational institution, must position itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector.
He expressed optimism that the Centre for Filmmaking and Production would become a platform for developing professionals in acting, directing, film production and other creative disciplines.
Abdul added that the initiative represented another milestone in the institution’s efforts to expand industry partnerships and extend its contribution beyond conventional technical education.
Centre to Offer Professional Filmmaking Training
Earlier, the Head of the Centre for Filmmaking and Production, Dr. Akindele Omotosho, said the centre was established to provide training for YABATECH students and members of the public interested in filmmaking and production.
He explained that the programme would cover areas such as acting, directing and other aspects of film production, with participants expected to acquire professional skills and certification.
Omotosho noted that the film industry offered significant opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and business development.
He said the college was determined to harness these opportunities to benefit its students and the wider society.
Bimbo Akintola Pledges Support for Emerging Filmmakers
In her remarks, Akintola expressed delight at partnering with YABATECH, describing education and skills development as essential investments in the future.
The actress said her passion for teaching, young people, education and filmmaking had inspired her commitment to the initiative.
She pledged to contribute her professional experience and available resources to ensure the centre achieved its objectives.
Akintola noted that the growing international recognition of Nigeria’s film industry made it necessary to strengthen professional training to match the country’s expanding global visibility.
She said the centre would strive to engage highly experienced professionals to train aspiring filmmakers.
“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,” she said.
Balogun Calls for Investment in Creative Infrastructure
Also speaking, Ambassador Saheed Balogun, an actor and representative of the Governing Council, described the partnership as the fulfilment of a vision he had advocated for the institution.
Balogun said YABATECH had the potential to emerge as a major hub for Nigeria’s creative industry, citing its strong foundation in technology, technical education and skills development.
He called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to increase investment in creative-industry infrastructure at the college.
According to him, developing the sector through institutions such as YABATECH could generate employment, create revenue and support the production of creative works with international appeal.
Balogun also expressed confidence in Akintola’s ability to contribute to the centre’s success, pointing to her experience in stage and screen performance.
The signing ceremony was attended by principal officers of the college, including the Deputy Rector, Administration, Arc. Femi Lawal; Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr. Engr. Ismail Badmus; Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Henrietta Adebola Badejo; and other senior officials.
The partnership is expected to strengthen practical filmmaking education at YABATECH and create opportunities for students and aspiring practitioners to develop the skills needed to participate in Nigeria’s expanding creative economy.
Tags: YABATECH, Bimbo Akintola, Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, Centre for Filmmaking and Production, Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, filmmaking training, creative economy, Akindele Omotosho, Saheed Balogun.
