THE NIGERIAN FILM SCHOOL
Nigeria became involved in the production of films and by 1970, the first indigenous feature film was produced in Nigeria: Kongi’s Harvest. It was however directed by an American and it featured many foreigners as crew members. Later more people got involved in the production of indigenous films, people like Eddie Ugbomah, Ladi Ladebo, Ola Balogun, among others.
In 1979, the Nigerian Film Corporation was established to provide structural backbone for the development of the film industry in terms of manpower training, marketing assistance and infrastructure. A decree validating its existence was released by the government and the facility was allotted to it in Jos, Plateau state but it did not help the industry much. This was as a result of the expense of creating films in celluloid form, which was later curbed by the introduction of home videos in the 1980’s. The home video made use of cassettes for production.
Due to the process of film introduction in Nigeria, a number of film schools have emerged. Schools set up to train for professional film makers and actors, and to make good films. The most popular and widely known film schools are the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo film schools. They are popular and widely known because of their presentation and representation of indigenous Nigeria. This indigenous representation is in terms of language, dressing, beliefs, food, norms and values, culture and tradition as a whole.
The Yoruba film school could be referred as being the most popular of all three as it carries out more activities and has turned out more films and there is this argument that the Yoruba film school started the film making process in Nigeria.
Herbert Ogunde is a resounding name in the Yoruba film school as he and his family –commonly called the ‘Yoruba Travelling Theatre’- went from place to place staging dramas. He later proceeded to films produced in Yoruba language alongside film producer Ola Balogun and others. He is referred to as the ‘father of Nigerian theatre’. Some of the early Yoruba films are ‘Ija Ominira’, ‘Aiye’, ‘Omo Oro’, ‘Ija Omiran’, ‘Jaiyesimi’, and a few others. Following in Ogunde’s footsteps are people like David Folayan, Tunde Kelani, Jide Kosoko, Alade Aromire and a host of others.
The Hausa film school has a shocking effect on people as it is northern and the north is known for its poor rate of civilisation and development. Despite these though the film school emerged and has made waves round the nations, especially with their ‘Bollywood style’ acting (singing and dancing). The school is called ‘Kannywood’ and is very promising. Some early films produced by the school are ‘Shehu Umar’, ‘Kanta of Kebbi’, and lots more up to date. Sadiq Tafawa Balewa is a resounding name in the Hausa film school.
The Igbo film school’s existence is not exact as you cannot particularly point it out. Arguments in favour of the Igbo film school states that most films produced by Nigeria’s Nollywood portray the Igbo cultures and ways of life to a large extent (this we can all agree to). It is also argued that the Igbo’s paved the way for film making in Nigeria, since the colonial masters collaborated with the natives and produced ‘Amadi’, the first film portraying Nigeria, but especially Igbo culture.
Some films that represent the Igbo culture are ‘Living in Bondage’, ‘Things Fall Apart’, ‘Taboo’, ‘Jezebel’, ‘Rattlesnake,’ and many more. Kenneth Nnebue, Zeb Ejiro, Kenneth Okonkwo, Amaka Igwe-Isaac and a few other film wrights make it a point of duty to represent the Igbo culture.
It is safe to say that there exists an Igbo film school, as it has been portrayed since 1992, it just is not as advanced as either the Yoruba or Hausa film schools respectively.
There has also been production of films in minor languages such as Efik, Ijaw, Itshekiri, Ibibio, and a few others.
In time past other film schools have emerged out of the existing film schools, just that they are less indigenous. Some of such are PEFTI film institute, Mount Zion ministries, Lekbat film school, Zenith film institute, and a few others.
By: Mofoluwake Omololu

This is really a nice piece, never really took time to study the history of film school in nigeria. This article has exposed me to how film production started in nigeria and the role of jos in the nigerian film school. Great job

Thank you sir, Jos playes a key role in the whole concept but that would be made known in pieces to come.

great topic More grace..this is a nice work God bless your brain... Plz i need to learn... I am gifted in Drama.. I need help on how to be the best Editor or director...

Am glad for you and your gift and I beg that you do not let it go to waste. Directing and editing are very key roles in film production, this schools talked about have been created for the likes of you. Find a film school or institute close to you and enroll. They run directing and editing courses. Having a certificate gives you an advantage in the industry. Thank you for your comment.