From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has explained that the proposed National Institute for Films and Media Technology in Ukawu, Ebonyi State, aims to expand training opportunities for youths in the creative industry. He shared this during a public hearing on Wednesday for a bill to establish the institute.
Sponsored by Kama Nkemkama, representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, the bill aligns with the 10th House’s legislative agenda. Abbas highlighted the creative sector’s role as Nigeria’s second-largest employer, with potential to create 2.7 million jobs by 2025. “I understand that the creative economy worldwide contributes over 6.1 per cent to global gross domestic product (GDP), averaging between 2 per cent and 7 per cent of national GDPs,” he said.
He stressed the need for entrepreneurship in vocational education to support self-employment. “We are committed to ensuring the integration of entrepreneurship modules in technical and vocational education curricula to enable students to go into private ventures and become self-reliant,” Abbas added.
The institute will focus on film, media technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), addressing Nigeria’s growing population of over 250 million. “This bill seeks to expand the choices available to Nigerians. With just one film institute, we cannot meet the demand for training in film, media technology, and artificial intelligence,” he said. “We cannot deny the growing population of young people the opportunity to develop their potential.”
Abbas urged swift action to keep pace with global AI advancements. “The world is already running away with artificial intelligence. We cannot be left behind,” he concluded.