The Vice Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Prof. M.O.E Iwuala has underscored the indispensible role of Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) in the all-important task of promoting and regulating activities in the Nollywood film industry.
Prof. Iwuala made the observation while addressing a top management delegation from NFC that recently visited GUU to formalize bilateral relations with the institution.
According to the VC “conscious of the crucial position the NFC occupies in the evolution of the creative industry as a viable alternative to the fast depleting oil, we are further emboldened to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship with the agency, to enrich our training while fostering the discovery and grooming of potential new talents needed for theatre and film production.”
Speaking further Prof Iwuala said that the collaboration would provide additional impetus for the realization of the institution’s objective of training, retraining and equipping categories of middle level manpower in the media profession through the recent establishment of the GUU Theatre and Media Academy.
Earlier in an address, the Managing Director of NFC, Dr Chidia Maduekwe said the essence of their visit to GUU was to consolidate arrangements for the consummation of working relations with the institution through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Maduekwe said: “ It is our desire to enter into a symbiotic relationship with GUU that will enable us collaborate with the abundant intellectual resources available in the institution in order to realize our vision of according quality and professionalism to Nollywood in particular by jointly mounting short term certificate training for middle-level personnel in the Nigerian creative industry.”
The NFC boss particularly praised the Chancellor of GUU, Dr Gregory Ibe for his ingenuity, innovativeness and industry that brought about the establishment of such creative arm of the university as Theatre and Film Academy, Orbit Radio and Television. He contended that the collaboration between the two organizations would benefit immensely.
Highlight of the visit was the signing of copies of a Memorandum of Understanding that signaled the official commencement of a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between the two organizations.