Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has signed a partnership agreement with Threatremeter Nigeria Limited to establish a Centre for Filmmaking and Production aimed at training students and members of the public in acting, directing and other aspects of filmmaking.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the institution in Lagos, is designed to bridge the gap between academic education and the practical skills required in Nigeria’s film and theatre industry.
According to an announcement published by YABATECH on October 12, 2026, the initiative will combine the institution’s academic and technical expertise with the industry experience of film and theatre practitioners.
Nollywood actress and theatre practitioner Bimbo Akintola is championing the initiative through Threatremeter Nigeria Limited.
YABATECH Seeks to Bridge Film Education and Industry Practice
YABATECH Rector, Dr Engr Ibraheem Abdul, said the centre was conceived to help students develop skills that meet the needs of the creative industry.
The rector explained that the partnership followed institutional procedures, including consideration by the Academic Board and approval by the Governing Council.
He emphasised the importance of preparing graduates for employment and professional practice rather than limiting their education to academic knowledge.
Abdul also said collaboration between educational institutions and industry professionals could improve the relevance of training and address concerns about graduates’ preparedness for the workplace.
The partnership represents an effort by the institution to extend its technical and vocational training approach into the creative economy.
Centre to Train Students and Members of the Public
The Head of the Centre for Filmmaking and Production, Dr Akindele Omotosho, said the facility would provide training for YABATECH students and members of the public interested in filmmaking and production.
The programme is expected to cover acting, directing and other areas of film production. Participants are also expected to acquire professional skills and certification, according to the college’s announcement.
The centre could provide a structured learning environment for aspiring actors, directors and other creative practitioners seeking to develop their abilities.
However, details concerning course fees, programme duration, admission requirements, registration dates and the specific certification to be awarded were not provided in the announcement.
Prospective applicants should therefore await further information from the college before making decisions about enrolment.
Bimbo Akintola Pledges Support for Film Training
Akintola, who is leading the initiative through Threatremeter Nigeria Limited, expressed support for the partnership and highlighted the importance of education and skills development.
The actress said her interests in teaching, young people, education and filmmaking had influenced her commitment to the project.
She pledged to contribute her professional experience and available resources to support the centre.
Akintola also stressed the need for Nigeria’s expanding international recognition in film to be matched by strong professional training for aspiring practitioners.
Her involvement brings the experience of a practitioner in Nigeria’s film and theatre industry into a collaboration with a technical institution.
The success of the initiative will depend partly on how effectively the partnership translates professional experience into structured teaching, practical production work and opportunities for trainees.
Saheed Balogun Calls for Investment in Creative Infrastructure
Ambassador Saheed Balogun, an actor and representative of YABATECH’s Governing Council, described the partnership as the fulfilment of a vision he had advocated for the institution.
Balogun said the college had the potential to become a major centre for creative-industry development, citing its foundation in technology, technical education and skills acquisition.
He called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to invest more in creative-industry infrastructure at the institution.
According to Balogun, such investment could support employment, revenue generation and the development of creative products with international appeal.
He also expressed confidence in Akintola’s ability to contribute to the centre, pointing to her experience in stage and screen performance.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior college officials, including Deputy Rector for Administration Arc Femi Lawal, Deputy Rector for Academics Dr Engr Ismail Badmus, and Registrar and Secretary to Council Mrs Henrietta Adebola Badejo.
Why the Partnership Matters for Nollywood
Nigeria’s film industry has developed into a significant part of the country’s creative economy, creating opportunities for performers, directors, producers, screenwriters, editors and other professionals.
As the industry expands, access to practical training can help aspiring practitioners develop the technical and creative skills needed to participate in film and television production.
The proposed YABATECH centre could contribute to this process by connecting formal education with the experience of professionals already working in the industry.
For students, the initiative may provide an additional route to developing specialised creative skills. For members of the public, it could widen access to filmmaking education outside traditional academic programmes.
The potential economic benefits will depend on the quality of instruction, access to production facilities, industry partnerships and the extent to which participants can apply their training in professional settings.
The centre’s establishment also reflects a broader opportunity for Nigerian educational institutions to support entrepreneurship and employment through creative and vocational education.
Nevertheless, the announcement does not establish how many people the centre will train, whether trainees will have access to film-production projects or what employment opportunities may follow completion of the programme.
Those details will be important in assessing the centre’s longer-term contribution to the industry.
What Happens Next?
The next important step is the release of operational details by YABATECH and Threatremeter Nigeria Limited.
Information about enrolment, course schedules, fees, training facilities and certification will help prospective participants understand how to access the programme.
The college has announced the partnership and outlined its intended training focus, but the practical impact of the initiative will become clearer as the centre begins operations and details of its programmes emerge.
For aspiring filmmakers, the project presents a potential opportunity to gain structured training in acting, directing and production. Its longer-term value will depend on the quality of instruction and the practical opportunities available to participants.
Weng Global — Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) — official announcement, YABATECH Partners Film Industry, Establishes Centre for Filmmaking and Production, October 12, 2026:
- punch Newspapers
