Education
EDUCATION: Tech U signs MoU with Texas varsity on exchange programmes
A new vista in higher education in Nigeria was opened as Technical University (Tech U), Ibadan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Texas Technical University (TTU) Tuesday evening.
Texas Technical University (TTU) is among the top three per cent universities in the world.
With the MoU, the two institutions will start collaborations in forms of exchange programmes for students, lecturers, researchers and other members of staff for internationalization of their degree and post-graduate programmes. Tech U may also emerge as the hub for TTU’s Study Abroad programme in Nigeria and other West African countries.
The exchange programme could commence as early as the 2019/2020 Academic session with TTU students coming for their six weeks internships in factories and institutions in Ibadan and Lagos as may be facilitated by the Tech U.
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Tagged ‘Collaborative Agreement for Study Abroad and Research’ between students and staff of the two institutions, the partnership will afford students of Tech U to complete their degree programme at TTU and proceed to post graduate studies if they desire. TTU has an expansive campus spread across the major parts of Lubbock, a serene city in Texas, United States of America.
President, Texas Tech University, Prof. Lawrence Schovance, presenting a copy of the signed agreement to his Tech U, Ibadan counterpart, Prof. Ayobami Salami, after the signing ceremony at the Office of TTU President, Lubbock, Texas, United States Tuesday evening.
According to reports, the partnership will also afford students and staff Tech U to participate in short and postgraduate programmes in which TTU has special capacity and competence. Researchers in both institutions will also collaborate in areas of common interest to internationalize their works.
Signing the agreement at his office, the TTU President (Vice Chancellor equivalent), Lawrence Schovance, said his institution was elated to expand scholarly activities to Nigeria through the partnership with Tech U.
Schovance, who is an engineering professor, averred that the partnership was another step forward in TTU’s goal of widening its international operations to ensure that its students and faculty enjoy international enrichment in their studies and research.
He pointed out that the partnership will bring great opportunities to both students and faculty of the two institutions. He added that Nigeria has now become a priority for TTU in its efforts at achieving global connections for studying, teaching and research.
An elated Tech U Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayobami Salami, said a major goal of Tech U is to produce graduates who will be key players within the national space and in the larger global economy. For it to happen, Salami said internationalization is key, hence the huge satisfaction with the TTU partnership.
He said the university was happy to have the partnership from its first year of operation, pointing out that it conveys the level of seriousness and determination of the management and promoters of Tech U to the ideals of sound education that will enable their graduates make meaningful contributions to the progress of the society.
“I am very excited seeing the dream coming to reality.” Salami said.
On funding and immigration challenges related to the implementation of the partnership, Salami explained that the institution does not fully rely on the government. He said Tech U already has three tiers of funding which include government, donors, the private sector and investors.
The Vice Chancellor further explained that the relevant departments at TTU will handle all immigration aspects of the collaboration for students and staff.
In his speech, the TTU Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ibidapo-Obe, said the partnership was the first among the steps to take the new university to the international scene. He explained that in the next 50 years, Tech U will be a model university in Nigeria given this type of partnerships and related initiatives.
Ibidapo-Obe, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said Tech U will not back down on its vision to produce graduates who can think with their heads and work with their hands to develop Nigeria and make great impact in the global community.
He pointed out that Tech U has identified commonalities between the two universities, stressing that faculty and staff of TTU, for instance, can come to Tech U for Fulbright specialty programme in Nigeria through Tech U.
TTU’s programmes are highly rated with its research works regarded as among the best in the United States.
Photo credit: Bisi Oladele
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has announced that its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony will take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Protocols and Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Adepoju, on behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the event is scheduled to hold at the polytechnic’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the statement, the academic procession will commence at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Established in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Federal Polytechnic Ayede admitted its pioneer students in the 2022/2023 academic session. Initially, the institution commenced with four departments: Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, and Statistics.
By the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution expanded its academic offerings with eight additional National Diploma (ND) programmes, increasing the total to 12. The newly introduced courses include Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Urban and Regional Planning, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, and Public Administration.
These 12 ND programmes are structured under five academic schools, School of Agricultural Technology,School of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Technology, School of Environmental Technology and School of Management Sciences.
The institution also announced that the orientation programme for fresh students commenced on Tuesday, 25th March, and will continue on Wednesday, 26th March, at the Iresa-Pupa temporary site. The programme will feature addresses from distinguished scholars and professionals, providing guidance to the new students on academic and campus life.
Since its inception, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has recorded remarkable strides in academic excellence, infrastructural development, training and re-training, as well as sports and extracurricular activities.
The management of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, has scheduled the 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony for Thursday, March 27, 2025.
According to a statement by the University Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, the event will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the University Board of Trustees (BOT) Large Lecture Theatre and will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan.
The matriculation lecture will be delivered by Prof. Olatunde O. Fawole, a former Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and former Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.
The university has urged all stakeholders, including Senate members, management staff, deans, directors, heads of departments, service divisions, faculty officers, and students’ representatives, to be seated by 9:30 a.m. prompt for a smooth event.
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