Yabatech Partners Global Experts To Train Students In Animation For Digital Economy
Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), through its TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development (TETCoE), has intensified efforts to prepare students for the digital economy with a specialised stop-motion animation workshop held in collaboration with Radioxity Stop Motion Animation Academy.
The two-day programme, which took place at the Yusuf Grillo Hall of the institution, brought together students, academics and international creative experts to build practical skills in animation and visual storytelling.
Declaring the workshop open, the Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Engr. Ismail Badmus, described the initiative as a deliberate strategy to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands. He stressed that animation, particularly stop-motion, remains a powerful medium for storytelling and innovation in today’s creative economy.
“Great things are built one small step at a time. In the same way, stop-motion animation teaches patience, creativity and consistency—qualities essential for academic and personal success,” he said.
The Rector added that the programme aligns with the institution’s mandate to produce graduates who are not only employable but also equipped to create jobs through innovation and entrepreneurship, commending the TETCoE team for driving the initiative.
Delivering one of the keynote addresses, the Chief Executive Officer, Radioxity Media, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, lamented the absence of a coordinated cultural movement from Nigeria, noting that despite the richness of African stories, they are often produced and interpreted by foreign creators.
“We have seen African stories on global platforms, but shockingly, they are not told by Africans,” the speaker said, referencing 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 cited historical distortions, including narratives around early European exploration of Africa, as examples of how storytelling shapes perception and legacy.
According to her, stop-motion animation presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians, especially young creatives, to project authentic cultural expressions to global audiences.
She further highlighted the economic and social potential of the creative industry, particularly in areas such as children’s programming, which she described as “seriously lacking” in Nigeria.
“Stop-motion is especially powerful for children’s content. This is the future where our stories travel across the world and create new markets,” she added.
The Chief Executive Officer, informed of incentives tied to the workshop, including access to startup classes, a six-week paid internship programme, and professional training opportunities sponsored by the French Embassy and Access Bank.
In his remarks, the Regional Audiovisual Attaché for West and Central Africa, Christophe Pécot, said the collaboration extends beyond training, positioning Nigeria within the global animation ecosystem. He noted that since its inception in 2023, the partnership has facilitated international exposure for participants, including festival participation and internship opportunities in France.
Pécot disclosed that the French Embassy remains committed to supporting creative education in Nigeria, adding that selected participants would receive premium stop-motion animation kits and access to internships to deepen their practical experience.
Earlier, the Director of TETCoE, Arch. Sheriff Ayodele-Oja, said the centre was established to enhance technical capacity and address development challenges through skills acquisition and applied research. He explained that the workshop was designed to introduce students to emerging opportunities in the creative industry, particularly animation, which continues to expand globally.
According to him, about 120 shortlisted students are participating in intensive hands-on sessions focused on professional stop-motion techniques using specialised equipment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee of TETCoE, Dr. Mrs. Lauretta Ofodili, described the workshop as a fusion of innovation, creativity and international collaboration. She emphasised that digital media and animation have become key drivers of economic growth and cultural expression.
“This is your moment to engage, learn and create. The skills acquired here can open doors to international studios and help project Nigeria’s cultural identity to the world,” she said.
The workshop featured panel discussions and virtual interactions with leading animation professionals, offering participants practical exposure to storytelling, animation production and digital media, as Yabatech continues to position its students for relevance in the global creative industry.
