Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, says the decision of the institution to come up with a Nuclear Engineering programme is to help address the nation’s electricity challenge.
Professor Na’Allah made this known during the University of Abuja’s Day at the ongoing 18th Abuja International Trade Fair on Wednesday in Abuja.
The VC said the institution has been at the forefront in collaborating with industry, even as he called on other universities to emulate UniAbuja.
“We are starting new programmes now in which Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and University of Abuja are together.
“The (ACCI) president mentioned in his address and gave example of Tourism amd Hospitality, that is one of the programmes, if you come to that department, you will find industry lecturers and you will find academic lecturers. In fact, they have two heads of department, one is called academic head and the other industry head.
” If you go to our Geology and Mining department, it is the same, the industry and the academic are working together….
” But we are not stopping there, we are starting very soon, Nuclear Engineering, we are working with the Atomic Energy Commission of Nigeria, we know that Nigeria has a dream of providing electricity that is regular in our nation and, we are starting nuclear engineering to meet that aspiration.
” Nuclear is not because we want nuclear power to bombard and killl human beings, but nuclear in which we have a safety net, what they called safety nuclear in a way that our electricity we have a new zeal of life.
” We in university of Abuja through our energy research centre, through the various programmes put in place we are desired to bring new life for Nigeria through the development in the energy centre.
“Every thing we do, we want the industry to be with us. There is a new policy in the University that says every academic programme must have industry partner
“We are here to tell the world through this international trade fair that our university is ready to work with you. We are asking our academic staff to go out to industry and collaborate, we are asking industry to come, if you are looking for a place to put your laboratory come to university of Abuja, if you are looking for a place to put your workshop, come to university of Abuja.”
Speaking further, Professor Na’Allah said no fewer than 200 UniAbuja students are being prepared by the university and ACCI for placement in Japanese companies across the world.
The VC, who expressed delight over the massive exploit of some of the university’s students in Japanese language, said the beneficiary students would be prepared in the area of Information Technology, among others.
“We are in the process now, working with the ACCI, preparing 200 students of University of Abuja for Information Technology, for employment in Japan, with Japanese companies globally. This is exciting for the university, this is a kind of collaboration we are very proud of, ” he said.
Professor Na’Allah also revealed that UniAbuja has set up innovation hub, which he said is not only open to students but also to other individuals with ideas.
On his part, the President of ACCI, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said the relationship between the organisation and UniAbuja has continued to flourish since the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on 18th June, 2021.
“Since the MoU signing our relationship has waxed stronger as we continue to build on our existing relationship for outstanding development which has resulted into establishment of the Tourism and Hospitality department and other activities.
” I would say the relationship has been cordial and mutually beneficial. I call for a continuous closer synergy between the Chamber as a business community and your academic institution as a way to fast-track national development,” Abubakar, represented by Osi Imomoh, ACCI Vice President, ICT, Science and Digital Economy, said.
Earlier, Chairman UniAbuja Committee on 18th Abuja International Trade Fair, Professor Stephen Garba, said the
theme of the event : ‘University-Industry Linkages for Sustainable Financing and Taxation in Nigeria Economy,’ reflects the importance of fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the academic and business sectors, especially in the face of the current economic challenges and opportunities in Nigeria.
“It has become increasingly evident that the synergy between academia and industry is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. It is through such partnerships that we can unlock the full potential of our nation’s intellectual capital and transform it into tangible economic benefits.
“As a university, we are committed to contributing to the national development and global relevance of Nigeria through our quality education, research, and community service,” he said.
Abujapress reports that the UniAbuja’s Day also witnessed various exhibition of products from the university.
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