In what is perhaps the greatest effort to domesticate Chinese technology in Nigeria, the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute, China and leading steel manufacturer, Yongxing Steel Company, Edo State, have concluded plans for training of technicians, joint research ventures and exchange programmes that would boost knowledge transfer of Chinese technology.

This was contained in the formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Edo State Government and China’s Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute. The collaboration seeks to establish a mutually beneficial relationship fostering academic and expertise exchange between Shaanxi Polytechnic and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, with a primary focus on the enhancement of technical and vocational education.

The milestone agreement was sealed during the recent visit of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to China, accompanied by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, for the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference.

Highlighting the essence of this collaboration, Dr. Joan said, “The Edo State government actively pursued this partnership to fortify the TVET framework within Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, through cooperation with Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute.”

Dr. Joan 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.   

She said “the agreement encompasses a comprehensive strategy for capacity building, including the exchange of scholars, joint research ventures, and the establishment of cross-cultural educational programs. These initiatives are designed to diversify the academic landscape, providing students and faculty with varied perspectives and innovative methodologies.”

The commissioner added “the partnership will lead to the introduction of new programs 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.”

The Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe for their continuous support towards the growth of the polytechnic in its bid to be a globally competitive institution of higher learning. 

Engr. Umoruyi said Yongxing Steel Co. Ltd, a steel production company, in Benin City, Edo State, will champion the establishment of the “Qin Gong Yuan” Initiative in Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.  

He said: “the QIN GONG YUAN initiative which is an International Vocational Educational initiative launched by Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute will help in training students of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen as technicians and skilled persons that serve as workforce requirements of enterprises and companies to promote national economic development.”

“The initiative will also assist students of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen to get acquainted with China, cultivate skilled technical talents who understand Chinese technologies and cultures through a combination of cultivating talents.”

The Rector added, “It will serve as a venture to develop training courses, formulate training plans & criterions and compile training materials. The training will meet the needs of different personnel such as vocational college students, unemployed youths as well as the employees of Chinese enterprises and other enterprises in Edo State.”