YABATECH Leads Stop-Motion Animation Drive to Reclaim Nigeria's Cultural Narratives
In a significant push to bolster the local animation industry, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has joined forces with Radioxity Stop Motion Academy and the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development. This collaborative effort is championing Nigeria's creative storytelling through a landmark stop-motion animation symposium and workshop held at the institution's Yusuf Grillo Auditorium.
Call to Reclaim Nigeria's Narrative
The event brought together a diverse assembly of global and local animation experts, academics, and industry stakeholders. In her keynote address, Esther Gbadamosi, Chief Executive Officer of Radioxity Media, expressed deep concern over the absence of a coordinated cultural movement from Nigeria. She highlighted that despite the richness of African stories, they are frequently produced and interpreted by non-Africans.
"We have seen African stories on global platforms, but shockingly, they are not told by Africans," Gbadamosi stated, referencing her experiences at international film gatherings. "If we do not come out to tell our stories, others will tell them for us, and not necessarily the way they should be told."
Gbadamosi pointed to historical distortions, such as narratives around early European exploration of Africa, as examples of how storytelling shapes perception and legacy. She emphasized that stop-motion animation offers Nigerians, particularly young creatives, a unique opportunity to share authentic cultural expressions with global audiences.
Economic and Social Potential of Creative Industry
Further underscoring the initiative's importance, Gbadamosi highlighted the economic and social potential of the creative industry. She specifically noted the lack of quality children's programming in Nigeria, describing it as a significant gap that needs to be addressed. To support participants, she announced several incentives tied to the workshop, including:
- Access to start-up classes
- A six-week paid internship programme
- Professional training opportunities sponsored by the French Embassy and Access Bank
Bridging Academia and Industry
Sherifdeen Ayodele-Oja, Director of the TETFund Centre for Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development (TETCoE), described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The centre, established in 2021 as one of six polytechnic Centres of Excellence in Nigeria, is committed to equipping students with industry-relevant skills and fostering applied research that addresses national development challenges.
Ayodele-Oja added that 120 shortlisted students would undergo intensive, hands-on training. During this period, they will be introduced to professional techniques using specialised animation equipment, ensuring they gain practical experience aligned with industry standards.
Institutional Commitment to Excellence
Dr Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of YABATECH, who was represented by Deputy Rector in charge of Academics Ismail Badmus, emphasized the importance of creativity and consistency in achieving excellence. Abdul reaffirmed the institution's commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs through innovation.
He described the workshop as a strategic effort to align academic training with the demands of the global creative economy, ensuring that students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the industry.
Global Perspectives and Future Outlook
The symposium also featured contributions from international animation experts who joined virtually, reinforcing the initiative's global dimension. Their participation provided participants with broader industry perspectives and insights into international best practices.
This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step in empowering Nigerian creatives to take control of their cultural narratives, leveraging animation as a powerful tool for storytelling and economic growth. By fostering skills development and entrepreneurship, YABATECH and its partners are paving the way for a vibrant and self-sustaining animation industry in Nigeria.
