The Technical University, Ibadan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (Oluyole Branch) and the Automation and Engineering Academy.
Apart from providing a framework for deeper and stronger relationship between The Technical University and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the MoU represents abundant possibilities of hands-on experience for Tech-U students while it will also enable professional associations like the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the industry to have regular inputs in the curriculum review of the University.
While speaking at the signing of the MoU, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami pointed out that “our students do not have to wait till after graduation before they interact with professional mentors whose contributions will complement our academic offerings thereby giving them a true perspective of what the situation out there is before they even get there”.
Speaking further, he pointed out that “we intend to cultivate and produce graduates whose training while in the University affords them ample opportunity to have direct contact with real rather than imaginary challenges that impede economic and social development of the society and whose acquired competences and experiences propel them to generate science and technology innovations to solve problems”.
Professor Ayobami Salami also hinted that the University intends to produce thinkers and innovators that can compete with their colleagues anywhere irrespective of their working conditions and environment.
The Chairman of the Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Adedamola Falade-Fatila described the agreement between the NSE and The Technical University as an epoch-making effort to bridge the gap that has always existed between the gown and the town. “It is our desire to reach out to every stakeholder and make our presence felt in all that we do in Engineering”. He called on stakeholders to make deliberate and calculated efforts to actualize the dream of bridging the employability gap.
Engineer Ademola Agoro, the Chairman of the Oluyole Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers affirmed that the NSE will look at critical areas where it will work with The Technical University to solve some of the critical problems. The university will handle the academic part while we will work on the professional part.
While expressing his firm belief in bridging the industry gap, Engr. Basir Adewale Ikotun, the CEO, Automation and Engineering Academy assured that every division will be utilized. He stated that with his Academy’s endorsement of the MoU, the actualization has started.
The well-attended ceremony had notable professionals as well as prominent people in the industry in attendance including Engr. Olufemi Morakinyo, FNSE, Engr. Oseni Afolabi, FNSE, Engr. Bola Olowe, FNSE, the immediate past Chairman of the NSE, Ibadan Branch, Mrs. Oluseye Alayande the CLO of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Mrs. Omolara Ikotun of the Automation and Engineering Academy among others.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
