Nigerian Animation School holds its inaugural Graduation Ceremony
According to Magic Lab Academy, 62 students, who are poised to transform Africa’s animation and storytelling landscape, graduated during its first-ever graduation ceremony in Lagos
On Wednesday, Magic Lab Academy, an internationally accredited animation school in Nigeria, held its first-ever graduation ceremony at the Alliance Française, Lagos, Nigeria.
Accredited by Skill Development Council Canada and the American Council of Training and Development, the academy offers one-year diploma programs in Animation, Game Design and Development, VFX and Film Making. “Our programmes expose students to world-class education delivered by seasoned professionals and award-winning animators who bring industry experience directly into the classroom. Our faculty is dedicated to nurturing your talents, guiding you to master the art and science of animation,” the academy notes.
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According to the academy, 62 students, who are poised to transform Africa’s animation and storytelling landscape, graduated during its inaugural graduation ceremony. “Seeing that this is our first-ever graduation, this is so big for us as a team,” the academy shared. “The ceremony was not only a celebration but also a clarion call for the next generation of creators to lead Africa’s creative renaissance.”
With Africa representing only 3% of the global animation industry, Magic Lab Academy says its goal is to increase Africa’s market share in the animation industry by empowering young talents in Africa with pro animation skills that will enable them to compete on global stages with their western counterparts. “Currently, the animation industry is valued at $395 billion and Africa has only $12.3 billion in that. We are working hard to increase this percentage to 10 in the next 5 years,” it noted.
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Delivering a stirring keynote titled “A Global Industry at the Tipping Point,” Mr. Obi Asika, the Director-General of Arts and Culture, highlighted the urgency of leveraging Africa’s rich heritage and untapped potential in a world hungry for authentic, diverse narratives.
In his keynote, Mr. Asika emphasised the $400 billion animation industry’s explosive growth and Africa’s unique position to capitalize on this global momentum. “This is Africa’s moment,” he declared. “Technology has flattened the world, and your stories have the power to transcend borders. The world isn’t just paying attention to Africa—they are looking for you.”
Also in attendance were dignitaries, including Professor G.E. Elias, a scholar in African creative economies, Mrs. Michelle Ukoh, an education-tech innovator, and Mr. Kingsley Uranta, a media strategist extraordinaire.
In an electrifying showcase, the graduates left no doubt about their readiness to lead, the academy noted. “From vibrant animations inspired by African folklore to futuristic game designs, the portfolio presentations displayed a dazzling mix of cultural depth and technological innovation,” it shared.
In his address, the CEO of Magic Carpet Studios rallied the graduates as “the Avengers of African Animation,” equipping them with a pledge to uphold excellence, authenticity, and collaboration.
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“If you had asked me after secondary where I would be in the next 5 years, I would have said that I would become one of the leading ladies in the Architectural field,” Oluwanifemi Somoye, the best graduating student from the 2D Cutout Animation class who also doubled as the Valedictorian, wrote. “But God had other plans for me, during my 100l I was super pumped to take territories in the world of architecture (lol). But during my 400l, I started desiring for something more than just designing buildings and drawing floor plans.... something deeper! And guess what happened next, I left Architecture...”
“I want to thank God for giving me the best family members ever because when I was venturing into another field, they were so supportive and I truly do not take it for granted,” she added.
