On November 2, 2023, a historic milestone was achieved as Ideabox Worldwide Limited and Citi Polytechnic came together at Citi Polytechnic’s academic venue in Dawaki, Abuja, to formalize their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This MOU signing signifies a significant moment for both entities, united by a shared commitment to advancing academic excellence and nurturing the Creative Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) economy within the Nigerian educational landscape.
The primary objective of this MOU was to solidify the agreement previously reached by Ideabox and Citi Polytechnic during their prior discussions. This agreement centers on the establishment of a dedicated film and creative academy within Citi Polytechnic, named the “SMEDAN Idea Film Academy.”
(It is worth noting that the SMEDAN Idea Film Academy, also known as SIFAcademy, was conceived through a collaborative effort between Ideabox Worldwide Limited and the Small & Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). This vision became a reality on July 18, 2023, when an MOU was officially signed between Ideabox and SMEDAN.)
The signing ceremony took place on November 2, 2023, at the Citi Polytechnic Campus, situated on Dawaki Dutse-Alhaji Road, Bwari Municipal, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Dr. Segun Adams, the Chairman and Founder of Citi Polytechnic, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of this partnership in training students in film production and related programs. He stressed that practical skills hold more value in today’s economy compared to traditional degrees, and he highlighted the importance of fostering self-employment and wealth creation among Nigerian youths.
In response, Mr. Adeolu Adeyemo, the CEO of Ideabox Worldwide Limited, underscored the vital role that the Creative Industry plays in Nigeria’s economy. He detailed the genesis of SIFAcademy, which began as a training program collaboration between Ideabox and SMEDAN in early 2023, in Port Harcourt and Abuja. Impressed by Ideabox’s innovative approach, SMEDAN allowed trained students (approximately 200) to produce a full-featured Nollywood-standard film, showcasing the skills they had acquired during their training. This successful endeavor led to the proposal of establishing a film school, a suggestion that SMEDAN readily accepted.
However, to bring this vision to fruition, the collaboration sought a conducive school environment, which prompted Ideabox to approach Citi Polytechnic. Mr. Adeyemo encouraged Citi Polytechnic to embrace this program as it promises significant opportunities for self-employment and wealth creation, addressing the current challenges of joblessness in the country.
Mr. Simeon Barinyima Nwate, the Rector of Citi Polytechnic, shared his welcoming remarks, emphasizing the need to transform the creative education sector and empower students with practical skills that can drive Nigeria’s creative economy. He reiterated the importance of shifting focus from traditional white-collar jobs to skills that can foster self-employment and economic development.
The signing of the MOU, a pivotal moment in the partnership, featured representatives from both Ideabox and Citi Polytechnic, including their respective heads, legal teams, and witnesses. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph capturing the participants.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Kelly Presh, a film specialist with Ideabox, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and its potential to reshape the educational sector. He reassured Citi Polytechnic that this initiative would exceed expectations, given the combined efforts of Ideabox and SMEDAN.
Alhaji Gambo Jagindi, a development partner and stakeholder with SMEDAN Idea Film Academy, served as a witness for Ideabox and concluded the signing ceremony with a prayer.
This significant event was thoroughly documented by the technical team of Inside Africa Network, an Ideabox company, ensuring that the journey to establish the SMEDAN Idea Film Academy in Abuja was well-documented and ready to unfold.
