Entertainment
National Film Institute Matriculates 239 Students
The National Film Institute (NFI), located in Jos, Plateau State has matriculated Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine of its students ahead of their four-year degree programme in film production, with a call on them to take their academic pursuits with utmost seriousness, dedication and concentration.
The matriculation ceremony which took place at the new auditorium of institute’s permanent site (Jos) on Friday January 19th, 2024 was for the 2021/2022- 2022/2023 academic sessions.
In a statement released by Mr Brian Etuk, the media officer of Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) the agency that oversees tbe film institute, the Rector of the Institute, Prof. Jeremiah Methuselah charged the students to be of good conduct and shun all anti-academic behaviors. He emphasized that the nation and indeed the world awaits them to unleash their potentials in uplifting the capabilities, growth and contributions of the film industry to the national and global economy upon graduation.
The Matriculation ceremony, with the oath taking exercise by the students as its highpoint, he said, is “fundamental to your academic journey”, and therefore compulsory for new students admitted into the Institute. On behalf of the outgoing Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute/Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, and the incoming Chairman of the Institute’s Governing Council/Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Ali Nuhu; Prof. Methuselah, also thanked the University of Jos, which the Institute is affiliated, as well as parents, guardians and other regular guests for their continuous support towards the growth of NFI, Nigeria’s premier film institute, that has since in establishment in 1995 trained several Nigerians and foreigners alike, who have become professionals in film production,.
Also speaking at the ceremony Dr. Nancy King, Head of Department of Theater & Film Arts, University of Jos, assured the students of the provision of excellent learning opportunities and mentorship while at the National Film Institute. Dr. King equally charged the students to strive for lofty heights. “You are matriculating into the society of academics world-wide”, she said; just as she reminded them of being embodiments of creativity and content creators. She warned of the dire consequences of unruly behaviour, stressing zero tolerance for any misconduct by any student. Dr. Nancy King was represented by Dr. Ephraim Dankyes.
The Matriculation ceremony which was coordinated by the offices of the Vice Chancellor, and that of the Registrar, University of Jos and led by Mrs. Timbyen Rindop – Secretary, Senate Committee on Affiliation, was preceded by a Pre- Matriculation Lecture and Orientation for the freshmen, on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The Pre-matriculation lecture titled: “Higher Education in Nigeria: Understanding the Past, Interrogating the Present and Predicting the Future” was delivered by Professor Edward Ossai of the Plateau State University, Bokkos.
Prof. Ossai, commended the NFI for among others, sustaining and constantly improving on its training module, academic standard and academic curriculum, given the emerging paradigm shift, emphasis and gravitation towards skilled and entrepreneurial endeavours. According to him, in the next 5-20 years, it is expected that there will be a decline in the interest for non-skilled academic certificate programmes in higher institutions worldwide; given the emergence of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by principal officers, lecturers of both the National Film Institute and University of Jos; Management of the Nigerian Film Corporation, parents, guardians, and friends of the students that matriculated.
Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has announced a postponement of the anticipated YouTube release of her hit film, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Initially set to debut on May 10, the film’s release has been rescheduled to a later date, which is yet to be disclosed.
In a statement to her fans, Akindele reassured her audience that the project remains active and expressed gratitude for their ongoing patience and support.
She committed to providing a new release date in the near future.
“Postponed, not cancelled! We’re rescheduling the #Omoghettothesaga upload due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience; we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. A new date will be announced soon! Stay tuned, and thank you for your continued support,” she stated.
Omo Ghetto: The Saga is a gangster comedy film that premiered in cinemas on December 25, 2020, setting box office records with a gross of over ₦636.1 million.
The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Chioma Akpotha, Eniola Badmus, and Bimbo Thomas, and features a soundtrack titled “Askamaya Anthem,” performed by the lead actresses.
Afrobeat superstar Ayra Starr has earned the prestigious Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom for her hit single “Rush”, for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) officially recognise “Rush” with a platinum plaque, making the “Sability” crooner first Nigerian female artist to achieve this remarkable feat in the UK.
The hit song marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the UK Official Top 100, cementing her growing status as one of the most sought-after African music artiste in recent times.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Grammy-nominated singer had earlier earned impressive accolades for ‘Rush’, including a Diamond Certification in France in 2023.
“Rush”was released in Sept, 2022, and quickly gained viral success, charting in the top ten across several countries such as France, Lebanon, and South Africa.
The track’s massive popularity also contributed to Ayra Starr’s first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
In addition to her recent UK achievement, “Rush” has also earned platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, and 3times Platinum in Nigeria, demonstrating its widespread acclaim and commercial success. (NAN)
Award-winning singer Tems has won the Best Recording of the Year award at the 17th Headies awards for her captivating single “Burning”.
The song, featured on her 18-track album “Born in the Wild”, showcases her exceptional artistry and musical prowess.
Tems was up against stiff competition, beating out fellow nominees Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr ft Giveon, Sarz, and Lojay.
The award, one of the most prestigious in Nigerian music, was announced and received by Tems’ mother.
Since its inception in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, The Headies has grown into the most respected music award platform in Nigeria, celebrating the country’s biggest talents year after year.