PLATEAU Government has donated 168 hectares of land for the construction of hostels for students of the National Film Institute and Media Arts Studies, Jos.

The institute is a subsidiary of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).

NFC Managing Director, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, who revealed this at a press briefing to mark his 60 days in office, on Monday in Jos, said that part of the land had been developed to accommodate 400 students.

“We have completed a 400-capacity block of hostels which shall be inaugurated on Thursday, June 8.

“The female hostel will be named after the Governor’s wife, Mrs Regina Lalong, in recognition of her efforts in promoting girl-child education.

“The male hostel will be named after the pioneer Managing Director of NFC, Mr Brendan Shehu, because of his efforts that shored up the fortunes of the film institute,” he said.

Maduekwe expressed optimism that the hostels would give students the required serene learning environment.

The NFC boss said that the film industry was getting maximum attention in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s diversification.

“The film industry has been identified as an alternative revenue yielding area; we are training professionals to improve performance and enhance quality delivery.

“With more activity in the film industry, more jobs are being created and more revenue coming into the country to reduce over-dependence on oil. Our task here is to upgrade the standard of facilities to meet rising demand.”

Maduekwe said that the Lagos Zonal Office was being renovated and equipped for training and screening of videos, and promised more attention to facilities to further improve the industry.

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Plateau Government Donates 168 Hectares of Land for Film Institute’s Hostels