Technical Education: Tech-U Signs MoU with Festo Didactic

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

As part of efforts to internationalise its programmes and deliver on its mandate of technical and entrepreneurial education, the First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Festo Didactic, a world-leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education.

With the MoU, Tech-U has entered a strategic alliance that would see it leverage on the 55 years’ experience of Festo Didactic.

Through the partnership, the university and Festo Didactic, a world leader in industrial automation technology, producing industrial equipment in the pneumatics and electronics field, would collaborate to enrich the Mechatronics Programme at Tech-U.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the West African Director of Festo Didactic, Mr. Peter Sengpiel said he was impressed with the strides already made by the institution and is therefore excited about the partnership.

“From what we have seen so far, we believe the First Technical University constitutes a perfect partner. Its commitment to technical education aptly fits into the Didactic vision of helping students to develop technical ability, develop craftsmanship among students and generate ideas that can help the society.

“As Festo, our 55 years’ experience will match the mission and vision of the university through knowledge transfer to the university and we are really grateful for this kind of opportunity,” Sengpiel said.

He added that aside working to prepare students to acquire industry know-how through virtual academy, online learning, web-based training, Festo would work to source more industry experts to join the Tech-U faculty while also facilitating exchange programmes for the institution.

The partnership would also mainstream Tech-U at the Worldskills Conference, the biggest global craftsmanship event.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami expressed satisfaction with the partnership, which he said aligns with the university’s commitment to ensuring that all its programmes are adequately enriched with relevant global partnerships to further help the institution in the production of fully competent and innovative students.