Schneider Electric has announced a partnership with the University of Ibadan to establish a laboratory to facilitate learning and increase the rate of technology diffusion among Nigerian students.
The company said in a statement that the equipment in the laboratory would fill a gap in the educational system and provide a basis for practical education in the fields of electrical engineering, electro-technical engineering and industrial maintenance.
It said with the new equipment, students would gain better and useful insights into the workings of industrial systems, learn how to resolve issues associated with lockouts, conduct hazard analyses and handle several other real-life engineering tasks.
While speaking at the inauguration of the laboratory, the General Manager, Schneider Electric Anglophone West Africa, Mr Balaji Lenka, stated, “This project aims to bridge the gap between technical education and current industry requirements. It will empower youths to gain up-to-date skills to build the competent workforce necessary to solve Nigeria’s power challenges.”
According to the statement, Schneider Electric’s partnership with the university is the latest in a series of activities, which the global energy and automation giant has engaged in to boost technological know-how in Nigeria.
Lenka said, “The partnership provides a platform that will give students access to the Schneider Electric Energy University, where they can access over 200 courses in Energy Management, leading to internationally-recognised certification for free.
“We are serious about grooming Nigerian talent and contribute to building a skilled workforce equipped to address today’s challenges in the industry.”
Speaking on behalf of the school, the Vice Chancellor, UI, Prof Abel Olayinka, said, “This partnership is geared towards building capacity for the University of Ibadan students to leverage the expertise and opportunities provided by Schneider Electric as a major global player in power, automation and software.”
