WIMPRO Academy begins operations with global faculty, modern facilities in Port Harcourt

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Nigerian film industry has received a major boost with the official inauguration of WIMPRO International Film Academy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a world-class institution established to train the next generation of filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs.

The academy, strategically located in the Niger Delta, was unveiled by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in the presence of leading Nollywood stakeholders, guild executives and industry practitioners.

Founded by investor Wisdom Isaac, with acclaimed filmmaker Obi Emelonye serving as the pioneer Rector, the institution is designed to provide practical, affordable and industry-focused training to aspiring filmmakers across Nigeria and beyond.

The academy will offer hands-on instruction in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, film editing, content creation, artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking and other specialised areas required in today’s rapidly evolving entertainment industry.

Speaking during the unveiling, Minister Musawa described the establishment of the academy as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian and African cinema, stressing that it aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s creative economy through skills development and job creation.

According to the minister, the academy will provide aspiring filmmakers with practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills needed to compete in the global film market.

She commended the founder, the management and all partners involved in bringing the vision to reality, noting that the institution demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between government and the private sector in developing Nigeria’s creative industry.

Founder of the academy, Wisdom Isaac, said the vision behind WIMPRO was to establish not just another film school but one that would rank among the very best in Africa and compete globally.

He explained that the institution boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms capable of accommodating more than 500 students, a fully equipped sound stage, a screening theatre, an actors’ studio and a 25-unit editing suite fitted with the latest hardware and software.

Isaac added that the academy also provides a 200-bed hostel to accommodate students from outside Port Harcourt, making it attractive to learners from across Nigeria and other African countries.

He disclosed that the institution has assembled an international faculty comprising experienced professionals from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa to ensure students receive world-class training.

According to him, the academy’s curriculum was developed in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London, with plans for the institution to accredit certificates awarded by WIMPRO International Film Academy.

To strengthen its academic leadership, the academy has appointed filmmaker Toka McBaror as Registrar, Osi Okagbue as Dean of Studies, Eberechi Isaac as Dean of Students Affairs, while David Nicholas Adora will serve as Provost.

Industry observers believe the establishment of the academy marks another milestone in Nigeria’s growing creative sector and is expected to contribute significantly to talent development, employment generation and the continued global rise of Nollywood.