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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
A new rector has been appointed for the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, Nigeria’s premier film academic institution. Professor Pomak Frank Tengya has been named to head the institute, with his appointment taking effect from March 1.
The announcement was made on Sunday in a statement issued in Jos, Plateau State, and signed by Brian Etuk, director of public affairs and spokesperson of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), the proprietor of the NFI. According to the statement, Professor Tengya’s appointment is in line with the secondment provisions of the Nigerian Public Service Rules and Regulations.
Prior to his appointment, Professor Tengya was a faculty member in the Theatre and Film Studies Department at Taraba State University, Jalingo. A professor of comparative theatre and film studies, he brings to the position extensive scholarly and administrative experience accumulated over the years.
His academic career spans reputable African universities, including the University of Jos, Kenyatta University and Taraba State University. Throughout his career, he has authored several academic publications, served on various senate, faculty and departmental committees, and held key administrative roles. Until his new appointment, he served as director of international collaborations and linkages at Taraba State University.
Reacting to the development, the managing director and chief executive of the NFC, Dr Ali Nuhu, who also chairs the governing council of the National Film Institute, congratulated Professor Tengya and urged him to deploy his wealth of experience in advancing the institute’s mandate.
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Dr Nuhu noted that the appointment comes at a critical time when the management of the NFC is intensifying efforts to upgrade all academic programmes at the NFI to meet global best standards. He emphasised that the corporation is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s ORANGE ECONOMY through entrepreneurial training, capacity building and skills development in film production.
According to him, repositioning the NFI has remained a top priority for NFC management over the past two years. He stressed that training and capacity development at the institute are central to leveraging technology and modern learning templates to enhance Nigeria’s creative economy.
He further highlighted recent milestones, including the introduction of a master’s degree programme in film culture and archival studies, the upgrade of existing degree and diploma programmes, and ongoing efforts to secure bilateral and multilateral partnerships for infrastructural development.
These initiatives, he said, underscore the NFC’s commitment to driving the sustained growth and global competitiveness of the National Film Institute.
The National Film Institute currently offers a joint master’s degree in film culture and archival studies, a bachelor’s degree in film arts, diploma programmes, as well as specialised entrepreneurial certificate programmes in film production.
