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OGITECH Rector discusses 20-year transformation, technical education, and drone manufacturing
Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology OGITECH, Igbesa, reflected on the institution's 20-year journey, highlighting its growth from 52 students and two departments to over 10,000 students across 38 departments and 51 courses. He emphasized his administration's focus on development, staff welfare, and infrastructure, including modern classrooms, a new library, and a laboratory complex. Dr. Oluseye also detailed the establishment of a robotics and innovation center, where students assemble and fly drones, and the institution's commitment to providing value-added certificates alongside traditional diplomas. He stressed the importance of technical education for national development, advocating for more polytechnics and increased funding, while addressing challenges like discrimination against polytechnic graduates and land encroachment. The Rector praised the National Education Loan Fund NELFUND for its positive impact on student access to education, noting that about 200 OGITECH students have benefited, with 400 more on a waiting list. He also mentioned OGITECH's use of e-voting for student elections and a mobile application for timetables and communication, showcasing its ICT-based approach. Dr. Oluseye affirmed the institution's zero-tolerance policy against anti-social vices and lecturer misconduct, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
11 min read
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路13 mins ago
African fashion talent needs global opportunities to thrive, say industry leaders
Fashion industry leaders emphasize that Africa possesses abundant creative talent but requires enhanced access to world-class training, infrastructure, and commercial opportunities to cultivate globally competitive fashion businesses. These remarks were made during the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Fashion Incubator Scholarship Programme at the Ananse Centre for Design in Lagos. Over 30 aspiring fashion entrepreneurs completed vocational training aimed at equipping them with technical and business skills. Sam Mensah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ananse Africa, stated that the initiative was established to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity within Africa's fashion industry. Participants, many of whom began with limited industry experience, received training in areas such as fashion design, leatherwork, garment production, quality assurance, sustainability, product development, entrepreneurship, branding, e-commerce, and market access. Onome Umukoro, Hub Country Lead, Africa, noted that the graduation signifies the commencement of the participants' entrepreneurial journey. Graduates will continue to have access to production facilities, business support, digital commerce platforms, content creation services, and market opportunities to aid in building sustainable fashion enterprises. The program is a collaborative effort with the Mastercard Foundation, ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Ananse Africa op
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路17 mins ago
Technology investment and industry collaboration crucial for energy sector growth, says Coleman CEO
George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, emphasized the need for increased technology investment and stronger collaboration across the oil and gas value chain. Speaking at the 25th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Onafowokan highlighted technology as a defining force in the global energy industry, transforming manufacturing from labor-intensive to technology-driven through automation and digital systems. He noted that Coleman's investment in technology has enabled local manufacturing of specialized products previously imported, citing the rapid design and production of a Variable Frequency Drive cable for an international oil company. Onafowokan stressed that while technology adoption can be costly, its long-term value is immense, leading to improved efficiency, increased productivity, and enhanced competitiveness. He urged stakeholders to invest in Manufacturing Execution Systems and collaborative initiatives to reduce technology adoption costs and encouraged organizations to integrate technology development into their corporate social responsibility programs to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 industrial ecosystem.
8 min read