This was stated in the official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that China's Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute and the Edo State Government signed. With a primary focus on improving technical and vocational education, the collaboration aims to build a mutually beneficial relationship between Shaanxi Polytechnic and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, boosting academic and expert interchange.
The historic deal was finalized during Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki's recent trip to China for the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference. Commissioner of Education Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe and Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Sylvester Omoruyi, were also in attendance.
"The Edo State government actively pursued this partnership to fortify the TVET framework within Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, through cooperation with Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute," Dr. Joan stated, highlighting the key components of this collaboration.
Dr. Joan underlined that, starting with the 2023 academic year, the MOU intends to localize Shaanxi Polytechnic's curriculum in order to enhance Edo State Polytechnic's academic structure and promote knowledge transfer.
"The agreement encompasses a comprehensive strategy for capacity building, including the establishment of cross-cultural educational programs, joint research ventures, and scholar exchanges," the spokesperson stated. These programs aim to broaden the academic landscape by offering teachers and students a range of viewpoints and cutting-edge approaches.
"New programs and the creation of a dual Diploma Award, enabling Edo Polytechnic students to spend two years in Nigeria and a subsequent year in China upon graduation," the commissioner continued.
In his speech, Sylvester Omoruyi, the rector of Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki and Commissioner of Education Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe for their ongoing assistance in the polytechnic's development as it strives to become a globally competitive university.
According to Umoruyi, the establishment of the "Qin Gong Yuan" Initiative at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, will be supported by Yongxing Steel Co. Ltd., a steel production firm located in Benin City, Edo State.
"The Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute's QIN GONG YUAN initiative, an international vocational educational program, will assist in training Edo State Polytechnic students to serve as technicians and skilled individuals who meet workforce requirements of enterprises and companies to promote national economic development," the speaker stated.
"Through a combination of cultivating talents, the initiative will also help Edo State Polytechnic, Usen students get acquainted with China and cultivate skilled technical talents who understand Chinese technologies and cultures."
The Rector went on, "It will function as an endeavor to create training curricula, create training plans and criteria, and gather training resources.
The training program is designed to address the requirements of a diverse range of persons, including but not limited to vocational college students, jobless young, and staff members of Chinese and other Edo State firms.