By Priscilla Osaje
The National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, Plateau,has matriculated 233 students into its film academic programme.
NFI disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Brian Etuk, Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
NAN reports that the NFI was established by the Nigerian Film Corporation in 1995 and is currently affiliated with the University of Jos, providing specialised training for young Nigerians interested in the film and creative industries.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFC, charged the newly admitted students to take full advantage of the opportunity to acquire relevant skills, knowledge and professional competencies.
Nuhu, who is also Chairman of the NFI Governing Council, said the students had an important role to play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s film industry, particularly through the knowledge and practical experience they would acquire during their studies.
He explained that the 233 students admitted to study Film Production would be awarded Bachelor’s Degrees in Film Arts after completing three to four years of study at the institute.
He stressed that the programme was important to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Nigeria’s creative economy.
The NFC chief executive further explained that the matriculation exercise was a statutory and mandatory activity for all newly admitted students.
He added that it formally established their studentship and required them to pledge to abide by the academic and non-academic regulations of the institution.
He said each student was also required to sign the Students Matriculation Oath Form as part of their commitment to uphold the rules, values and standards of the institution throughout their period of study.
Declaring the matriculation exercise open, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, admonished the students to maintain good behaviour and avoid activities capable of disrupting their academic pursuits.
Ishaya noted that Nigeria’s growing creative ecosystem required a skilled and professionally trained workforce.
NAN reports that the semi-regimented and colourful ceremony was attended by parents, guardians, friends of the institution and members of the host community.
Meanwhile, the NFI reaffirmed its position as a centre of excellence committed to providing young Nigerians with quality training in film production, content creation and development, and cinematography.(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab