Obaseki, Chinese Govt Seal Deal to Boost Vocational, Technical Education
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday sealed a tripartite deal between the State Government, the Chinese Government, and Yongxing Steel Company based in Edo State to boost vocational and technical education in Edo State.
Obaseki had before signing the deal at the Government House, Benin City, attended a virtual meeting with the state and partner's representative, including the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe.
Other attendees were: The Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Sylvester Omoruyi; the Chinese Consular General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yu Qing and the Management of Fuzhou Polytechnic in China, led by Prof. Chen Niandong.
The agreement is expected to enhance vocational skills, and cultural and educational exchange and create opportunities for Edo youths to study in China.
The management of Edo Polytechnic, Usen and the management of Yongxing Steel Company were present to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while Niandong signed virtually.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Obaseki said the deal was aimed at preparing youths in the state to work with Chinese firms and access quality technical and vocational training from the Chinese Polytechnic.
He said: “We were in China in November and had the privilege of visiting your campus and left a deep and emotional relationship between me and your school as the only Nigerian in your school told me how you gave him a scholarship to study in your polytechnic.
“This has made me ask myself if I will be able to get Edo youths to be trained in your school which is a world-class polytechnic offering technical and vocational training. I am happy today that we are signing a tripartite agreement.”
Obaseki added, “I am happy and glad today that we are signing this tripartite agreement as it is significant to us. 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. We assure you of our support to ensure this relationship becomes very successful.”
On her part, the Chinese Consular General in Lagos, Qing commended Obaseki for his commitment to technical and vocational education, noting that the tripartite agreement will boost Nigeria-China relationship and open more opportunities for more Nigerian youths to study in China.
She said: “I am here in Benin City to witness the signing of the MoU. I remember the governor led a team to China where he promoted cooperation between the two institutions.
“I am here and hope to further facilitate the implementation of the relevant cooperation and contribute to technical education and talent development in Nigeria and China.
“There is much we can do to achieve from the cooperation between the Edo state government and Chinese government in the area of talent development, especially in the implementation of Chinese Language, skills development, talent training and cultural exchange programmes.”