Reactions Trail Uniport, TMC MoU On Film Academy

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) and Trend Media City (TMC) on the establishment of a Film Academy which was signed last Friday at the university has been described as a positive development that would strengthen the Nigerian film industry.

Nollywood Star actor, Mr. Gentle jack who stated this in an interview with The Tide Entertainment, said the Academy would not only elevate the standard of movie making in the country, but would also give the students the desired focus that would enhance their professional career.

The Rivers State born actor lauded the university authorities for their collaboration with TMC which he said would encourage private sector participation in the industry. He stressed that the University had over the years contributed immensely to the upliftment of the Nigerian movie industry to international standards.

He reiterated that most of the big names and international award winning actors, actresses and artistes passed through the university on their way to stardom, while many others were currently undergoing training programmes in the Theatre Arts department of the institution.

Another Nollywood actor and lecturer at the University, Mr. Columbus Irosoanga also welcomed the development as a new dawn for the Nigeria Film industry. He said the acceptance of the university to partner with Trend Media City was a clear indication of their commitment towards strengthening the industry by producing credible manpower that would take the industry to a higher level of professionalism.

He noted that Rivers State had carved a niche for herself as a leading state in the Nigerian movie industry as well as arts and culture.

According to him, the rich cultural heritage of the state and the abundant opportunities in tourism, oil and gas sectors of the economy had remained a major attraction to both local and international investors.

It would be recalled that seven months after Trend Media City and authorities of the University of Port Harcourt began to work out plans for collaboration in film and media studies, both parties on Friday 25th January, 2013 sealed the pact with a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka said that the proposal and opportunities presented by TMC were clearly identifiable, stating the willingness of the authorities to associate.

He said that the policy of the university ensured that all partnerships were mutually benefiting.

In his remarks President and Chief Executive Officer TMC Engr. Uzoma Udemba commended the open arms with which the authorities of the university embraced the proposal. He said that the collaboration was important  because Universities are beginning to realise that doing business is part of the system.