The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the State Government has formalized a partnership with China’s Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the State.
The collaboration seeks to establish a mutually beneficial relationship, fostering academic and expertise exchange between Shaanxi Polytechnic and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, with a primary focus on the enhancement of technical education and the establishment of a Chinese language and cultural centre in the State.
The Governor disclosed this during his budget presentation at the Edo State House of Assembly, while presenting the 2024 budget to the Assembly.
The milestone agreement was sealed during the recent visit of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, accompanied by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, to China for the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference.
Highlighting the essence of this collaboration, Dr. Oviawe said, “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. Oviawe emphasized that the MOU aims to localize Shaanxi Polytechnic’s curriculum to enrich Edo State Polytechnic’s academic structure and facilitate knowledge transfer, commencing from the 2023 academic session.
The agreement encompasses a comprehensive strategy for capacity building, including the exchange of scholars, joint research ventures, and the establishment of cross-cultural educational programmes.
These initiatives are designed to diversify the academic landscape, providing students and faculty with varied perspectives and innovative methodologies.
In a bid to further enhance educational insights, the leadership of Edo State’s education sector, along with officials, will embark on an educational study tour to Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute.
This visit intends to expose delegates to both traditional and modern knowledge and learning methodologies employed by the institute.
Moreover, the partnership will lead to the introduction of new programmes 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.
However, this collaboration extends beyond academia; it embraces cultural exchanges. Edo Polytechnic students eagerly await the chance to immerse themselves in Shaanxi’s rich heritage.
As part of this exchange, the Institute will collaborate with the Edo State Government to establish a Chinese Language and Cultural Centre in Edo State.
