Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
Edo State Government, Fuzhou Polytechnic, and Yongxing Steel Company Ltd. have inked a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical and vocational education in Edo State. The collaboration aims to provide Edo youths with vocational training opportunities in China and secure employment in Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
Truth Live News gathered that Governor Godwin Obaseki highlighted the historic nature of the agreement, emphasizing its importance in preparing Edo’s youth for employment with the support of Chinese companies already invested in Nigeria. The partnership signifies a milestone, as it’s the first agreement with a private sector partner, Yongxing Steel Company Ltd.
Consul-General Yan Yuqing of the People’s Republic of China praised Governor Obaseki’s commitment to education, particularly in vocational training for youths. She expressed optimism about fostering cooperation between Edo Polytechnic and Fuzhou Polytechnic, contributing to technical education and talent development in both China and Nigeria.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, welcomed the international collaboration, seeing it as part of Governor Obaseki’s broader efforts to revitalize education in the state. This partnership aligns with the Obaseki-led administration’s vision to develop human capital and provide skill acquisition opportunities for the state’s youth, as outlined in the EdoBEST 2.0 initiative.
This initiative, under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, emphasizes skills development starting at the secondary level, with a focus on technical schools such as the Benin Technical College. The agreement reflects the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering linkages between Edo State and China to enhance education and skill acquisition.
The involvement of Yongxing Steel Company Ltd. in this collaboration adds a private sector dimension, reinforcing the practical aspects of vocational education. The support and cooperation pledged by the Edo State government further underscore the commitment to ensuring the success of this tripartite agreement.
As Edo State positions itself to finish strong in education and economic development, this partnership serves as a testament to the proactive measures taken to create opportunities for the youth and strengthen ties between Edo and international partners like China.
