Students of the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, Plateau State, have rejected the management’s decision to shut down the school for the next 60 days.
Aduma Agoji, President of Students Union Government (SUG) of the institute, rejected the move in a statement released on Wednesday in Jos.
The students insisted that the move will only elongate the semester.
DAILYPOST recalls that the management of the Nigeria Film Cooperation (NFC), which oversees the institute, had on October 6, 2023, issued a statement announcing its decision to shut down the school.
In a press statement signed by Brian Etuk, Head, Corporate Affairs of the Corporation, the management claimed that the school was closed to forestall breakdown of law and order due to the activities of the students.
But Agoji said that the decision to shut down the school was rather hasty, adding that the allegations raised against the students by the management were entirely false.
He explained that the students only demanded an improvement on facilities that would enhance quality of teaching and learning in the institute.
”The students of NFI, Jos, reject in the strongest terms this hasty and unwarranted decision by the maanagement of NFC to shut down our revered institution.
”The allegations raised against us are not only baseless but also entirely contrary to the character and principles that define us.
”We, as bona fide students of this institute, are law-abiding, responsible, hardworking, resilient, compassionate, intelligent, patriotic, and creative individuals deeply committed to our passion for the Motion Picture Industry.
”We were bewildered by the decision of management yo close the down the school and we are compelled to ask; is it wrong for students to demand for an academic environment that is truly conducive to learning?
”Is it wrong to remind the management of their fundamental obligations to students’ well-being in an institution as unique as the film institute? Is it wrong to advocate for changes that are not privileges, but are our rights as students?,”Agoji asked.
The student leader maintained that the management of the institution had over the years turned deaf ears to pleas for improved facilities.
He added that the demands of the students were not senseless, but aimed at promoting a conducive learning environment in the institute.
”Despite numerous meetings and reminders, the management has consistently ignored our concerns that are crucial to optimising our learning environment.
”For the record, our demands, included the following; the repair of run-down school toilets, the provision of water facilities and constant supply of same, establishment of a functional ICT center, issuance of school ID cards, and ensuring electricity in classes.
”Other include setting up of a standard cinema for student film screenings, addressing security concerns, addressing the delayed matriculation and convocation of diploma students, and the proposal to consider reviewing the Act establishing the institute, which currently a department under NFC, to give it autonomy to function independently.
”We also called for the timely release of equipment for student productions, providing the school prospectus to students, maintaining the aesthetics and hygiene of the school environment, establishing accessible WIFI for faculty and students, and updating the school website and portal.
”All these demands and concerns have remained unaddressed to date and so it is disappointing inspite our nonviolent approach, the management chose to label us as a ‘threat to peace and hastily close down our school,”he maintained.
Agoji called on the management of NFC to rescind its decision and reopen the school, so as to enable students continue with their academic activities.
He also called on the management to implement at least 50 percent of the demands presented by the students.
