By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Minna, Niger State, has pledged to provide scientific equipment, technical materials, and manpower training support to Akawe Torkula Polytechnic as part of efforts to strengthen science and technical education in the institution.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Dr. Jafaru Mohammed, made the commitment during an assessment visit to the polytechnic in Makurdi.
Dr. Mohammed explained that the collaboration forms part of SEDI’s mandate to support the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction.
He noted that the institute would also assist the polytechnic in meeting key requirements for accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) ahead of future assessment exercises.
According to him, the intervention will commence with the immediate supply of science laboratory equipment, while capacity-building programmes would also be organized for both staff and students in renewable energy and other technical fields.
He stated that the initiative is aimed at transforming the institution into a hub for practical learning where students can acquire quality technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills needed for self-reliance and national development.
Speaking earlier, the Rector of Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, Dr. Martins Agena, described the visit as a follow-up to his earlier engagement with SEDI in Minna last year, where discussions on institutional collaboration and technical support were initiated.
Dr. Agena expressed optimism that the partnership would open opportunities for lecturers and students of the polytechnic to undertake practical training and industrial exposure at SEDI’s facilities in Minna, thereby improving the institution’s academic and technical capacity.
On her part, the Deputy Rector, Academics, and Chairperson of the organizing committee for the visit, Dr. Philomena Odeh-Udeh, said the partnership aligns with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia to promote science and technical education in Benue State.
She commended SEDI for what she described as a timely and strategic intervention.
Highlights of the visit included a physical inspection of facilities at the polytechnic by the SEDI delegation and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the areas of partnership and intervention between both institutions.
