By DAYO ADESULU
Yabatech Creative Economy Drive Takes Centre Stage at Animation Symposium
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative sector, with a strong focus on animation and storytelling as powerful tools for global relevance and youth empowerment.
Speaking through the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Engr. Ismail Badmus, at a stop-motion animation symposium and workshop held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, the Rector said the institution is strategically aligning its academic programmes with global industry trends to produce graduates who are both innovative and job-ready.
The event, organised by the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in collaboration with Radioxity Stop Motion Academy, brought together industry experts, academics and students to explore emerging opportunities in animation and digital storytelling.
Animation and Storytelling as Tools for National Growth
Delivering the Rector’s message, Badmus emphasised that the Yabatech creative economy drive is not just about academic excellence but about preparing students for real-world challenges and opportunities.
He explained that animation, particularly stop-motion, mirrors the discipline required for academic success and career growth.
“Stop-motion animation teaches us that great things are built one small step at a time. Though progress may appear slow, consistency produces remarkable results,” he stated.
According to him, the institution remains committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and applied learning, ensuring that graduates are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and contributing to national development.
He added that the college is investing in practical, industry-relevant training that positions students to compete globally while addressing local economic needs.
Bridging Academia and Industry Through Strategic Partnerships
The Rector highlighted that partnerships with industry players and international organisations remain central to Yabatech’s long-term vision. These collaborations, he noted, provide students with exposure, hands-on experience and access to global best practices.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of the Centre, Arc. Sherifdeen Ayodele-Oja, said the symposium forms part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
He noted that the initiative is designed to nurture entrepreneurial capacity among students while equipping them with skills that are directly applicable in the modern creative economy.
“The goal is to ensure our students are not just learners but innovators and creators who can thrive in a competitive environment,” he said.
Experts Urge Nigerians to Tell Their Own Stories
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Radioxity Media, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, stressed the importance of authentic storytelling in shaping Nigeria’s global image.
She warned that failure to tell indigenous stories could result in the nation’s narratives being controlled by foreign creators.
“If we do not tell our own stories, others will tell them for us—and not always accurately,” she cautioned.
Gbadamosi highlighted the vast economic potential of animation, particularly in children’s programming, noting that the sector remains largely untapped in Nigeria despite its global profitability.
She further announced opportunities linked to the workshop, including professional training, internships and startup support for participants willing to build careers in animation and digital storytelling.
Global Collaboration Strengthens Yabatech Creative Economy Drive
The symposium also featured virtual participation from international animation experts, reinforcing the global outlook of the programme and showcasing the institution’s growing reputation as a hub for creative and technological innovation.
Participants engaged in practical sessions, discussions and collaborative learning experiences aimed at equipping them with the technical and creative skills required to thrive in the digital economy.
As the Yabatech creative economy drive continues to gain momentum, stakeholders at the event agreed that animation and storytelling hold significant promise for job creation, cultural preservation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
With increasing institutional support and industry collaboration, the future of Nigeria’s creative economy appears set for a transformative shift driven by innovation, skills development and authentic storytelling.
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