Newspointer Sept. 23, 2024
By our Correspondent in Makurdi
In what is perhaps the greatest effort aimed at transforming Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi into the hub of technical education in Nigeria, the Management of the Polytechnic and Chinese owner of Sinoki Group of Companies, have concluded plans for training of technicians, joint research ventures and exchange programmes that would boost knowledge transfer of Chinese technology.
This was disclosed by the Rector, Dr. Martins Agena during a tripartite meeting between the Management of the Polytechnic, Special Adviser to the Benue State Government on International Investment, Hon. Alex Addingi, and the Managing Director of Sinoki Group of Companies, Mr. Hanchen Lui held in his office to formalize discussions with the Polytechnic on areas of partnership.
According to Dr. Agena, the collaboration seeks to establish a mutually beneficial relationship fostering academic and expertise exchange between Sinoki Group and Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, with a primary focus on the enhancement of technical and vocational education.
Highlighting the essence of the collaboration, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Martins Agena said “The Benue State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is fully aware of this strategic partnership and that makes it official. Government is fully committed to transforming this polytechnic into a hub for technical education to respond to the industrial needs of our society”.
Dr. Agena emphasized that the strategic engagement was targeted at improving the polytechnic in areas such as infrastructural development, Manpower training and equipment. He said students of the polytechnic would be flown to China on internship programmes for them to get the required skills to serve the country in diverse ways.
Praising the initiative, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on International Investment, Hon. Alex Addingi said “the partnership would encompass a comprehensive strategy for capacity building, including the exchange of scholars, joint research ventures, and the establishment of cross-cultural educational programs. These initiatives are designed to diversify the academic landscape, providing students and faculty with varied perspectives and innovative methodologies”.
Hon. Addingi said his office would continue to pursue such beneficial partnerships in line with the vision of the Alia led administration. He concluded with a charge on the polytechnic to take every aspect of the partnership seriously in order to maximize its gains.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Sinoki Group, Mr. Hanchen Lui explained that the idea behind the partnership was to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Akawe Torkula Polytechnic that would help in training the workforce that would be hired by his company and many other companies in Nigeria and beyond.
Mr. Lui who said he has been in Nigeria for over 25 years, noted that the biggest challenge of industries in Nigeria remains skilled workforce and that is what the partnership aims to address.
Mrs. Margaret Ingyoroko and Dr Peter Tyokura who spoke on behalf of the management, said it was a step in the right direction and prayed for it’s sustainability.
Management staff at the meeting include Mrs. Veronica Makurdi (Ag. Registrar), Mr. Ephraim Aboh (Ag Bursar), Dr. Mrs. Grace Chigyo (Ag Deputy Rector Academics), Mr. Benjamin Antse (Ag. Librarian). Others include Mrs. Margaret Ingyoroko (Member Governing Council), Dr. Peter Tyokura (HOD Building Technology) and Mrs. Rhoda Nyikwagh (Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship).
It is was gathered that the first face of the partnership will be in ICT, Engineering and Environmental science.
The Newspointer is among Nigeria’s leading online news and information delivery. Conveying fresh, factual and reliable news from our Abuja headquarters. Thenewspointer.com.ng is a verifiable news distribution platform, from live video streaming to audio packages to searchable archives of news features and background information.
Contact: editor@ishakudanzumi1@gmail.com
© 2024 The Newspointer.com.ng – All Rights Reserved.
STAY WITH NEWSPOINTER NIGERIA. YOUR NUMBER 1 FAVOURITE NEWS SOURCE.
Online Editor: Prince Hassan Ishaku, ishakudanzumi1@gmail.com
Tel: +2349043141414, +2347071144444.
