CONCEPT
The West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA®) is a broadcast and communications training and certification academy with campuses in Abuja, Lagos & Enugu, also planned in Ghana, and The Gambia, as well as Online. WABMA® serves as:
a. A finishing school for current and aspiring media practitioners who need to become professionals in all ramifications. WABMA® meets the needs of a growing population of media practitioners, broadcasters, journalists, and organizations for world-class broadcast, media and communications training and certifications.
b. A communication skills acquisition centre for young people and adults who wish to hone their media, digital, and entrepreneurship skills as well as to grow in their chosen careers. Thus, it serves young people, especially new graduates who need practical training to become professionals and acquire relevant experience and certification for the job market and forentrepreneurship.
c. Continued education centre for mid and top-level career executives to keep up with current digital media trends and to improve their personal brand.
Finally, WABMA® attracts much-needed foreign partnerships for media development in West Africa.
ACADEMIC SYSTEM
WABMA® operates four Quarters yearly, with Basic and Advanced Long Courses and Short Courses every Quarter.
The curriculum is an intense and rigorous course module(s), which approximates real work environment, for faster, well-grounded and practical skill acquisition.
The curriculum also offers robust interactive in-campus and online courses.
Collaboration with partner stationsaffords students essential hands-on practical training, unique on-air experience, access to language laboratories as well as live and production studios.
Internships of up to six months are usually available.
Hostel accommodation is available for in campus student
Courses run both In-Campus AND Online. The faculty is made up of the best veterans and professionals.
CONCLUSION
WABMA® is excellent for individual personal development and;
- Media Houses: – inclusive of current and
aspiring broadcasters, journalists, and media
organizations; - Tertiary Schools: – inclusive of new
graduates who need the practical finishing
school training to become professionals; - Corporate firms: – inclusive of mid-to-top level career executives who need a flexible finishing school to polish their communications skills, keeping up with current trends and opportunities in the communications world;
- MDAs and NGOs: – for communications skills upgrading of their staffs Online Communities: – inclusive of Millennials who prefer convenient online platforms for training and skills acquisition;
- Donor Agencies and foreign Media schools: interested in capacity building of the media in West Africa.
Our team
Meet our creative and talented human resource personnel
Joseph Ollor Obari
Registrar and Instructor
Barrister Joseph Obari, LLB, BL, ANIPR a seasoned journalist, editor, and lawyer, brings over a decade of rich media experience, notably with The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria and Shell Petroleum Development Company. Rising through the ranks, he held key positions such as Shell Spokesperson and Head of Media Relations. With expertise in digital media, he is recognized for his role in online journalism and documentary media making, along with being a familiar voice on various radio stations.
Kevin Ejiofor
FMR D.G, FRCN, CHAIRMAN
He is a former Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); former Director Enugu State Information Bureau, former PR Manager of Cadbury PLC.
With a distinguished 30+ years career in Broadcasting, Journalism, Public and Corporate Communications, KNE is a specialist in News management and crisis communications.
Richard Asiegbu
Former D.G, IMO BC
Mr. Asiegbu is a seasoned media professional with a wealth of experience. He served as the Former Director General of Imo Broadcasting Corporation and was the Former Deputy Director and Head of Network Sports at FRCN Headquarters, Abuja. A graduate of the Institute of Journalism, Berkshire, England, he received extensive professional training in News, Production, Presentation, and Management.
Dr. ken Ike Okere
WABMA RECTOR
Dr. Ken Ike Okere, a Ph.D. holder in Mass Communication with over 25 years of extensive media practice, possesses a diverse background in print, radio, TV, and digital media, as well as corporate communications. His notable roles include Correspondent for ThisWeek/Houston Chronicle, Online Editor for African News Digest, and various editorial positions at Guardian Newspaper Houston, TX.
Dr. Okere has consulted for esteemed organizations like Ford Foundation, ASHOKA Foundation, Christian Aid, BBC Media Action, and the US Consulate General Lagos. Currently, he serves as the Rector at West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA).
Aro Leonard
FMR, BBC MEDIA ACTION
He is a development communications and broadcast expert. He was Head of External Relations at BBC Media Action Nigeria, managing a team to maintain the organisation’s unique selling point.
As Head of Media Development for BBC Media Action, Aro was responsible for designing and delivering all capacity building activities and acted as Project Lead where he interfaced with donors and development partners on Governance, Health and resilience projects.
Mike M. Yawe
ED. Business Development
Mr. Mike Msuega Yawe, a native of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State,
With a master’s degree in business administration (MBA Marketing).
Mr. Mike Yawe joins WABMA with cognate experience in Business Management, Sales training and media experience having worked with several companies in the Private sector at various times before berthing at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
Melisa Pomero
Support
He is a development communications and broadcast expert. He was Head of External Relations at BBC Media Action Nigeria, managing a team to maintain the organisation’s unique selling point.
As Head of Media Development for BBC Media Action, Aro was responsible for designing and delivering all capacity building activities and acted as Project Lead where he interfaced with donors and development partners on Governance, Health and resilience projects.
Chidiebere Njoku
Enugu AR
Funke Treasure .D.
Support
Anike-ade Funke Treasure is a broadcast journalist, a certified media trainer, speech and leadership coach.She was the first female journalist to manage an all news radio station in the Radio Nigeria Network and indeed the Nigerian broadcast industry.
She rose to the Assistant Director, Programmes, FRCN Lagos Operations.
She is a recipient of professional media fellowships and awards.
Got A Question?
Send us a quick mail and our friendly administrative team will be in touch.
Our Team
Meet our creative and talented human resource personnel
Joseph Ollor Obari, LLB, BL, ANIPR WABMA Registrar and Instructor
Barrister Joseph Obari, a seasoned journalist, editor, and lawyer, brings over a decade of rich media experience, notably with The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria and Shell Petroleum Development Company. Rising through the ranks, he held key positions such as Shell Spokesperson and Head of Media Relations. With expertise in digital media, he is recognized for his role in online journalism and documentary media making, along with being a familiar voice on various radio stations. Obari holds certifications from reputable institutions, including BBC Training Program, Dutch Institute, London School of Management, and more. Currently serving as the Registrar at West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA), he continues to contribute his wealth of knowledge to media training and certification.
Lt. Jika Attoh
Executive Director,
WABMA
Former MD ESBS
Jika Attoh is a highly accomplished professional specializing in broadcast training and management. With a distinguished career as a former news anchor at CHANNELS Television and the anchor of the award-winning program KAAKAKI, he has made significant contributions to the field. Jika’s expertise extends to journalism training for the BBC World Service Trust and consultancy as a Media Trainer for ENABLE in Nigeria. His diverse experience includes leadership roles in various broadcasting services, such as Deputy and Managing Director for Enugu State Broadcasting Service and CEO positions at BLAZE 91.5 FM and COSMO FM. As an alumnus of the universities of Ife, Lagos (Nigeria), and Oxford (England), Jika Attoh is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the media industry. Connect with him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jika-attoh-639a7313.
Kevin Ejiofor
Fmr D.G., FRCN, chairman wabma
He is a former Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); former Director Enugu State Information Bureau, former PR Manager of Cadbury PLC.
With a distinguished 30+ years career in Broadcasting, Journalism, Public and Corporate Communications, KNE is a specialist in News management and crisis communications.
He is widely consulted especially by governments and international organisations to assist in crafting effective media agenda and managing public communications.
Formerly of BBC Media Action
He is a development communications and broadcast expert. He was Head of External Relations at BBC Media Action Nigeria, managing a team to maintain the organisation’s unique selling point.
As Head of Media Development for BBC Media Action, Aro was responsible for designing and delivering all capacity building activities and acted as Project Lead where he interfaced with donors and development partners on Governance, Health and resilience projects.
Aro produced the award-winning youth reproductive health magazine show “Flava’ and the largest HIV Spots campaign in Africa, among several other impactful programmes.
He is a well-known media trainer in Nigeria.
Former D.G., Imo Broadcasting corporation
Mr. Asiegbu is a seasoned media professional with a wealth of experience. He served as the Former Director General of Imo Broadcasting Corporation and was the Former Deputy Director and Head of Network Sports at FRCN Headquarters, Abuja. A graduate of the Institute of Journalism, Berkshire, England, he received extensive professional training in News, Production, Presentation, and Management.
During his impressive career, Mr. Asiegbu held the position of Africa Regional Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA) from 1989 to 1999. His remarkable achievements include winning prestigious awards such as Enugu/Anambra Sports Writer of the Year (1991), Nigeria’s Sports Writer of the Year (1992), Rotary Club of New Haven Vocational Service Award (1998), and Nigeria’s National Sports Merit Award (2003).
With expertise as a sports and ceremonial commentator, he led Radio Nigeria’s coverage team to numerous continental and global events, including FIFA World Cups, Olympic Games, and Commonwealth Games. Mr. Asiegbu is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration and an Alumnus of the International Media Training Centre, Washington DC, USA.
Dr. Ken Ike-Okere
Dr. Ken Ike Okere, a Ph.D. holder in Mass Communication with over 25 years of extensive media practice, possesses a diverse background in print, radio, TV, and digital media, as well as corporate communications. His notable roles include Correspondent for ThisWeek/Houston Chronicle, Online Editor for African News Digest, and various editorial positions at Guardian Newspaper Houston, TX.
During his 16-year tenure with Radio Nigeria, Dr. Okere served as Director, overseeing 10 radio stations, earning industry awards, and spearheading strategic initiatives. As the Head of the Corporate Development & Communications Directorate, he modernized the radio network with significant achievements, including the creation of the first website, online content, and live audio streaming service.
Passionate about digitization and strategic planning, Dr. Okere has consulted for esteemed organizations like Ford Foundation, ASHOKA Foundation, Christian Aid, BBC Media Action, and the US Consulate General Lagos. Currently, he serves as the Rector at West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA), contributing to its growth and expansion across multiple campuses.
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
PRODUCTION/PRESENTATION & MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Anike-ade Funke Treasure is a broadcast journalist, a certified media trainer, speech and leadership coach.
She was the first female journalist to manage an all news radio station in the Radio Nigeria Network and indeed the Nigerian broadcast industry.
She rose to the Assistant Director, Programmes, FRCN Lagos Operations.
She is a recipient of professional media fellowships and awards.
These include the Nigerian Media Merit Award’s Radio Production of the Year 2008 and Finalist, Henry J. Kaiser HIV Journalism Category, CNN African Journalist of the Year Award 2007.
She has authored three books, including a childhood memoir, and Pronunciation Guide Series for Secind Language Speakers of the English Language.
She recently retired from Radio Nigeria to run her own enterprise; Illuminate Nigeria Development Network, a social enterprise.
Anike-ade Funke Treasure has a BAEd in English Laguage and Masters degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa.
She is a John Maxwell Team speaker, trainer and facilitator, she is in demand in Nigeria and West Africa as a panelist, speaker, and facilitator.
Mike Msuega Yawe
Mr. Mike Msuega Yawe, a native of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State,
A graduate of Bayero university Kano and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi,
with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA Marketing).
Mr. Mike Yawe joins WABMA with cognate experience in Business Management, Sales training and media experience having worked with several companies in the Private sector at various times before berthing at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. A consummate news hunter, Mr Mike Yawe is credited with over a hundred commentaries on the Network news as well as Special reports and interactive. He was the official biographer of Radio Nigeria.
TV TRAINER
She is a former NTA broadcaster, manager and former Executive Director South Saharan Development Organisation (SSDO).
Her specialization is in gender-sensitive communication, development communications and management of the TV format.
Media Professional & Mental Health advocatE
(Abuja campus Bdm)
