Emmanuel Ochayi
In a move to bolster vocational and technical education in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki finalized a tripartite agreement on Tuesday.
This deal involves the collaboration of the Edo State Government, the Chinese Government, and Yongxing Steel Company, a key player based in Edo State.
Prior to the signing ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Obaseki held a virtual meeting with representatives from the State and its partners.
The attendees included Dr. Joan Oviawe, Edo State Commissioner for Education; Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, Rector of Edo State Polytechnic; Ms Yan Yu Qing, the Chinese food Consular General in Lagos, and the Management of Fuzhou Polytechnic in China, led by Prof. Chen Niandong.
The agreement is poised to elevate vocational skills, foster cultural and educational exchanges, and open avenues for Edo youths to pursue studies in China.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Obaseki expressed the aim of preparing Edo youths to collaborate with Chinese firms and gain access to top-notch technical and vocational training at the Chinese Polytechnic.
He emphasized, “We are not just sending our people to China to study but also preparing them for work with the support of a Chinese company already invested in Nigeria.”
The Management of Edo Polytechnic Usen and Yongxing Steel Company physically signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while Prof. Chen Niandong, the President of Fuzhou Polytechnic China, signed virtually.
Commending Governor Obaseki’s commitment to technical and vocational education, Ms Yan Yu Qing, the Chinese Consular General in Lagos, stated, “This tripartite agreement will boost Nigeria-China relationship and open more opportunities for Nigerian youths to study in China.”
She further highlighted the potential in cooperation between the Edo State Government and Chinese Government, especially in areas such as talent development, Chinese language implementation, skills development, talent training, and cultural exchange programs.
The agreement stands as a testament to the dedication of both nations to fostering a symbiotic relationship in education and talent development.
