Fifteen minutes.
That was all the time Iteoluwa Roland had left when she decided to apply to the Dinovate Creative Academy’s first cohort.
Her father had shown her the Academy’s flyer that same day. Applications were closing, and there was still an application to complete, including two essays.
With the deadline fast approaching, Iteoluwa could have decided it was too late.
Instead, she wrote the essays, submitted her application, and sent it in about fifteen minutes before the deadline.
She didn’t know it then, but that last-minute decision would open the door to a career in professional storytelling and media production.
“I’ve always had the passion to create ever since I was little,” she recalls. “But passion is not enough. You also need to couple it with skills.”
Iteoluwa joined the Cinematography track of Cohort One, where she began developing the technical and creative skills needed to turn her passion into professional practice.
For her, one of the most valuable parts of the experience was being surrounded by other young creatives and learning from instructors who supported her growth.
“What stood out for me most was being surrounded by other creatives and learning from a teacher who was extremely patient and understanding.”
Her commitment to the programme soon became evident.
By graduation, Iteoluwa had distinguished herself through the quality of her work and dedication to learning. She was named Best Graduating Student of Cohort One—although she almost missed the moment entirely.
“I had already left the ceremony before they announced it,” she says. “Later my classmates told me I had been selected. I was honestly shocked.”
But graduation wasn’t the end of the learning.
Iteoluwa went on to intern with the Dinovate team, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom. She learned how to set up production environments, prepare podcasts and interviews, work with lighting and camera angles, and support professional productions.
“During my internship I learned how to set up podcasts, interviews, lighting and camera angles.”
Her curiosity and commitment continued to show.
Today, Iteoluwa is a full-time member of the Dinovate creative team, contributing to productions while continuing to sharpen her craft.
Although she is still early in her career, she has already supported storytelling and media projects connected to organisations including ECOWAS, Mastercard Foundation, Athena, PLANE, the Gates Foundation, and Oxfam, contributing to work focused on development and social impact.
Yet, despite these experiences, Iteoluwa remains a learner.
She observes. She asks questions. She pays attention to how things are done and looks for ways to improve.
“The team at Dinovate has been extremely welcoming and supportive,” she says.
At 19, her career is only beginning. But the journey from an application submitted fifteen minutes before a deadline to becoming a trained cinematographer, Best Graduating Student, and member of a professional creative team already says something about what opportunity can make possible.
“I came in unsure of what I could do,” she says. “Now I’m seeing who I’m becoming. And this is just the beginning.”
Sometimes, fifteen minutes is all it takes to make a decision.
The real story is what happens after you say “yes”.