In a historic milestone for Nigeria-China academic collaboration, Igbinedion University, Nigeria’s premier private university, commenced a two-week international vocational training workshop at Jiangxi College of Vocational and Foreign Studies in September. The delegation, led by Dr. Mary Josiah, delivered an inspiring address, marking the beginning of a program aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, cultural ties, and innovative vocational training.
Dr. Josiah, speaking on behalf of Igbinedion University, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, noting that their selection from over 283 Nigerian universities underscores the institution’s trailblazing role in higher education. “We are deeply honoured to be the first Nigerian university to participate in this program, a testament to the enduring value of international academic collaboration,” she stated.
The delegation, comprising 10 outstanding students and two staff members, including Dr. Josiah and Dr. Osaremwinda Omorogiuwa, reflects gender parity with six male and six female participants. The team brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise, aligning with Igbinedion University’s pioneering integration of compulsory entrepreneurship studies, covering fields like digital innovation, artificial intelligence, tailoring, farming, music, and culinary arts.
Dr. Josiah extended warm greetings from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Parlong, Director of Entrepreneurship at NUC, and Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University and Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. She highlighted the significance of the Nigeria-China Memorandum of Understanding, which facilitated this partnership.
The workshop is poised to explore collaborative opportunities in joint research, staff development, and student mobility programs. Dr. Josiah emphasized the potential for these initiatives to benefit not only the two institutions but also the global community. “This is a unique opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn, while strengthening ties between our institutions,” she said.
Igbinedion University, established in 1999 as Nigeria’s first licensed private university, boasts nine colleges and 94 academic programs, with a strong focus on equipping graduates with practical skills. The delegation’s participation in Jiangxi is expected to further enhance these competencies through cross-cultural and vocational exchange.
The program includes hands-on sessions in advanced vocational techniques, focusing on sustainable agriculture and digital technology. Students will engage in collaborative projects with Chinese counterparts, fostering innovation. The workshop’s outcomes are anticipated to contribute to sustainable academic collaborations, with plans for joint curricula and exchange programs. Dr. Josiah emphasized that the skills gained will empower participants to drive innovation in Nigeria’s vocational education landscape.
