As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Fedmas Studios has awarded scholarships to two students of the University of Abuja, and urged them to be creative beyond academic qualifications to better their future.
The beneficiaries, Godwin Ofejiro Friday (24/212FMU/075) and Akaahan Mbasughunter Stephanie (23/212FMU/010), received the scholarships during an engagement with students of Broadcasting, Film and Multimedia Studies at the university.
The president and chief creative officer of Fedmas Studios, Dr. Sam Idiagbonya, urged undergraduates to develop practical skills and entrepreneurial abilities to thrive in the creative industry.
Dr. Idiagbonya, challenged students to look beyond academic qualifications and prepare themselves for the realities of the competitive media and entertainment industry.
Idiagbonya said professional success required more than certificates, urging the students to develop practical competencies, build impressive portfolios and acquire the entrepreneurial skills needed to create employment opportunities for themselves.
He identified production budgeting, crew management, audience engagement, copyright, contractual agreements, content distribution and monetisation as essential areas aspiring media professionals must understand.
The Fedmas Studios chief also urged them to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and online distribution platforms, while promoting authentic African stories to international audiences.
Also speaking, a veteran Nollywood Actor, Segun Arinze, advised the students against waiting for employment opportunities or recognition before demonstrating their abilities.
Arinze, described academic certificates as door-openers rather than guarantees of success, stressing that graduates must distinguish themselves through their capacity to solve problems and deliver results.
He identified integrity, punctuality, consistency, teamwork and dependability as important qualities for sustaining careers in the creative industry.
The actor further urged the students to see rejection as part of professional growth, embrace continuous learning and build relationships with people who could contribute positively to their careers.
In an address, the vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Fawehinmi, said the presence of established industry practitioners provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities of professional practice.
The UniAbuja VC urged the students to maximise the engagement by asking questions and establishing meaningful relationships with the visiting practitioners.
The event provided a platform for industry professionals to share practical experiences and career guidance with the students preparing to enter the broadcasting, film and multimedia sectors.
