Edo Govt., China’s Shaanxi Polytechnic Seal Deal On Technical, Vocational Education And Training

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com |
posted December 8, 2023

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has announced that the State Government and China’s Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute have entered into a collaborative union with which aims to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Edo State.

The partnership involves academic and expertise exchange programs between Shaanxi Polytechnic and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. The primary focus is on enhancing technical education and establishing a Chinese language and cultural center in Edo State.

During his budget presentation at the Edo State House of Assembly for the year 2024, Governor Godwin Obaseki announced this milestone agreement. The collaboration was formalized during Governor Obaseki’s recent visit to China, accompanied by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi. The visit was part of the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference.

Dr. Oviawe emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that the Edo State Government actively pursued this collaboration to strengthen the TVET framework within Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, through cooperation with Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute. The goal is geared to enhance the quality of technical education, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to the overall development of vocational training in the state.

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.