NFVCB Trains 300 Undergraduates on Media literacy, Capacity Building

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has organised a two-day interactive session and capacity-building event for students of five Lagos-based universities.

The participating universities included the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Trinity University, and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

The event, which took place between November 26 and 27, aimed to equip the students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to critically evaluate and create media content.

Over 300 students gathered at the Afe Babalola Hall in UNILAG for the training sessions.

The opening ceremony featured keynote remarks by Julie McKay, the public affairs officer of the US consulate in Lagos.

McKay discussed the growing global interest in African creatives, particularly in Nigeria. She also encouraged the students to take advantage of the training and networking opportunities, stating that the next Oscar winner might emerge from the room.

“Many people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria. I believe the next OSCAR winner might come from this room here in Nigeria,” she said.

“… The United States and Nigeria share a common vision for a future where our citizens not only have access to reliable information but can also identify and stop the spread of disinformation. The best tool we have in the fight against disinformation is media literacy.”

McKay said the United States has “lots to learn from Nigerians”, hence the decision to partner and exchange knowledge. She reeled out some partnerships with Nigerian creatives including Kunle Afolayan Production Academy where the US brought in experts for masterclasses to train the next sets of filmmakers.

She also announced some programmes from the US consulate that will benefit students.

“We have programmes like American music mentorship programme for music producers to get mentorship and work in a part of America where all these happen, we also have Script to Screen for a one year course that is specifically for students, and we are also partnering with Entertainment Week Lagos where we will be having a crash course on scripting,” she said.

Also speaking, Toki Mabogunje, the chairman of the occasion, stressed that the event aims to promote media literacy as a critical component of education, civic engagement, and social responsibility and provide a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, and showcase their talents.

“As young people participating in this capacity-building programme, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from veterans and experts in the industry. At this point in time, as young people, you have the opportunity to shape the stories that will inspire, entertain and educate generations to come,” she said.

Shaibu Husseini, the executive director of the NFVCB, urged the participating students to endeavour to use the opportunity to learn and evolve their talents while meeting with industry experts.

“Being a lecturer, a journalist, dancer and creative, I have always wanted capacity building for students and I have always yearned for more of this fora for talented students to learn and build on their imbued talents,” he said.

“I am most grateful to the industry experts that decided to do this and walk on this journey with us as well as the participating students.”

The event featured capacity-building sessions on various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, cinematography, acting, screenwriting, costume design, and art creative design.

Industry experts, such as Uzodinma Okpechi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, John Duloju, Keppy Ekpeyong, and Bimbo Akintola, led the sessions.

The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where participating students received certificates of participation. Some students were also awarded prizes for their dedication and steadfastness during the training.