Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is one of the largest in the world — not just in Africa. With thousands of films produced yearly and a growing demand for high-quality storytelling, the need for skilled screenwriters has never been higher. Whether you’re dreaming of writing your first feature-length screenplay or want to refine your storytelling chops for TV, the first step is finding the right training.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best screenwriting courses in Nigeria — both free and paid — to help you master the art of storytelling for the screen.
Why Take a Screenwriting Course?
Let’s be honest — natural talent is important, but it’s not enough. Even the best writers need structure, feedback, and guidance. A good screenwriting course teaches you:
- The fundamentals of story structure
- How to develop compelling characters
- Dialogue writing that feels natural
- Scene construction and pacing
- How to format scripts professionally
- Pitching your script to producers or studios
Whether online or in person, a great course gives you practical tools, access to experienced mentors, and sometimes even direct industry connections.
Top Paid Screenwriting Courses in Nigeria
1. Royal Arts Academy – Screenwriting Programme (Lagos)
Location: Surulere, Lagos
Cost: ₦120,000–₦150,000
Duration: 3 months
Overview: Founded by Nollywood producer Emem Isong, Royal Arts Academy is one of Nigeria’s most respected film schools. Their screenwriting course is tailored for people who want to work professionally in Nollywood. The program covers screenplay structure, character arcs, dialogue, and writing for different formats — including short films, TV series, and full-length features.
Perks:
- Industry-recognized certificate
- Instructors include working screenwriters and directors
- Internship opportunities on real Nollywood sets
2. EbonyLife Creative Academy – Writing for Screen & TV
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Cost: Free (Sponsored by Lagos State Government)
Duration: 3 months (Full-time, intensive)
Overview: This is one of the best deals you’ll find anywhere. Backed by EbonyLife Media and Lagos State, the course is completely free and features world-class instruction. Students are trained to write for both Nigerian and international audiences. The course includes writing exercises, workshops, and opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers.
Perks:
- High-end equipment and learning environment
- Pitch sessions with producers
- Real-life writing assignments and feedback
Admission is competitive, so you’ll need to submit a strong application.
3. PEFTI Film Institute – Scriptwriting Course
Location: Lagos (and online)
Cost: ₦75,000–₦100,000
Duration: 6 weeks
Overview: PEFTI (established by Wale Adenuga) is a long-standing film school that offers practical training across multiple departments. The scriptwriting course focuses on story structure, character development, TV drama writing, and screen formatting.
Perks:
- Taught by Nollywood professionals
- Opportunities for collaboration with directing/production students
- Access to alumni network and resources
4. Del-York Creative Academy – Screenwriting Track
Location: Lagos (Physical)
Cost: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
Duration: 3–4 weeks (Intensive)
Overview: Del-York is a top-tier creative academy affiliated with Hollywood instructors and industry insiders. Their screenwriting course focuses on international storytelling techniques, pitching, and industry-standard formatting tools like Final Draft.
Perks:
- Mentorship from Hollywood-affiliated instructors
- Film production collaborations
- Strong alumni network
5. Inspire Academy – Story & Screenwriting Masterclass
Location: Online
Cost: ₦30,000–₦50,000
Duration: Self-paced
Overview: For those who prefer flexibility, Inspire Academy offers a solid online course in screenwriting. Taught by experienced Nigerian screenwriters, the course covers the essentials — from script formatting to storyboarding and character depth.
Perks:
- Online community access
- Feedback on assignments
- Certificate of completion
Free Screenwriting Courses for Nigerians
If you’re just starting out or working on a tight budget, you’ll be glad to know that there are some excellent free options too.
1. YouTube Channels (e.g. Doreen Media, Nollywriting, Screenwriter’s Room)
Cost: Free
Access: 24/7, online
These Nigerian-run YouTube channels are treasure troves of screenwriting wisdom — from tutorials on Final Draft to scene breakdowns from top Nollywood films. They’re perfect for beginners looking to explore screenwriting before committing to paid classes.
Recommended:
- Doreen Media – Writing for TV and Film
- Nollywriting – Nigerian storytelling structure
- Chris Odeh Masterclass excerpts
2. Film Rats Academy – Workshops and Online Classes
Cost: Free or low-cost
Access: Announced via social media (Instagram, Twitter)
Film Rats, led by young filmmakers, regularly hosts free workshops in Lagos and Abuja. They also offer virtual classes, writing challenges, and feedback sessions.
Follow them for upcoming sessions and registration details.
3. Skillshare & Coursera (International, but useful)
Cost: Free trials or financial aid
Access: Online
While not specifically Nigerian, these platforms offer excellent beginner-friendly courses that you can use to build your screenwriting basics.
Top picks:
- Write Your Screenplay by Adam Szymkowicz (Skillshare)
- Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode (Coursera)
What to Look for in a Screenwriting Course
Not all courses are created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
- Industry relevance: Does it teach what Nollywood producers are buying?
- Mentorship: Can you access experienced screenwriters or feedback?
- Format: Do you prefer in-person, online, or hybrid learning?
- Portfolio-building: Will you leave with a completed script or pitch deck?
- Networking opportunities: Can the course connect you with producers or directors?
Final Thoughts: Your Story Deserves to Be Told
The future of Nollywood depends on strong stories, and those stories depend on writers like you. Whether you enroll in a high-end academy or start with free YouTube lessons, what matters most is commitment. Start where you are. Write every day. Learn from others. And when you’re ready, pitch your script with confidence.
You don’t have to leave Nigeria to become a world-class screenwriter — the tools and training are right here.
Have questions about a specific course? Need help polishing your script or choosing between two programs? Drop a comment or message — I’m here to help.
