Film and Broadcast Academy berths

After a very long wait, a government-approved institute that will professionally train and empower both aspiring movie and media practitioners has berthed in Ozoro, Delta State, with so much promises and prospects for intending students.


Approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and known as The Film and Broadcast Academy (FABA), it sits on over 30 hectares of land and is expected to begin academic and vocationally work fully in January 2010, with over 2000 students.

According to Chief Charles Akeni, the Chairman of FABA, applications are invited from qualified candidates for admission to read the new practical oriented NBTC driven two-year National Innovation Diploma (NID) and the National Vocational Certificate (NVC), courses beginning from the maiden academic session, early 2010.

“FABA is basically set up to train movie practitioners and media people. Already in place are: schools of Performing and Media Arts, Film and TV Production, Arts and Design, Business Studies and Computer and Information Technology,” Akeni explained.

On how the academy would be funded, Akeni, a PR expert and the former PR Manager, Shell, explained that they had already mapped out over 30 streams of income, adding that it is a private enterprise that would be funded privately.

Elaborating more on the importance of FABA in helping to mould future film and media experts for the nation, its Vice President and renowned filmmaker, Zeb Ejiro, argued that the school, which is already being applauded within and outside Nollywood, would groom and nurture young men and women into super stars as well as help groom them in other arts and entertainment related endeavours. He further called on all, especially his colleagues to support FABA and its laudable initiatives, most especially, those aspiring to get its valued certificates.

While hailing the FABA team for coming up with such a great idea, filmmaker and the national president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Mr. Bond Emeruwa, opined that the academy would further propagate the ideals of Nollywood as well as help give voice and direction to millions of Nigerians aspiring to be part of the nation’s money spinning entertainment industry. “On behalf of DGN, we sincerely commend FABA for this wonderful achievement,” he submitted.

Also speaking, Mr. Paul Obazele, the president of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), maintained that FABA, would definitely help to redefine standards in Nollywood, adding that he looks forward to more of such meaningful initiatives and collaborations within and outside Nollywood.

Among the Nollywood stars present at the unveiling, who also extolled the good ideals of FABA, include: Sunny MC Don, Fidelis Duker, Mike Nliam, Emeka Rollas, Frank Dallas, Peter Red Ejiro and a host of others. For more info on how to register; visit: www. fabaportal.com.ng