The management of the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) recently held discussions with Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, regarding the enhancement of skills among African youth for the advancement of the continent.
Kayoed Abbas, NUTM’s Brand and Communication Manager, conveyed this information during a conversation with BusinessDay. He mentioned that the meeting explored potential collaborations between NUTM and AfDB through the utilization of the bank’s existing programs and new opportunities.
Abbas expressed mutual enthusiasm from both institutions to collaborate in addressing skill deficiencies, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating economic prospects for Africa’s youthful population.
Adesina, during the event, commended NUTM for its ambitious vision, aligning it with AfDB’s objective of accelerating Africa’s economic transformation by empowering the continent’s youth. He emphasized AfDB’s dedication to leveraging education and skill development to drive economic growth and social advancement across Africa.
Omobola Johnson, a board member at NUTM, highlighted the institution’s aspiration to establish a globally recognized brand that produces technology leaders akin to the Indian Institute of Technology.
Demola Adeyemi-Bero, another NUTM board member, emphasized the university’s strong industry orientation and its ecosystem approach to integrating academia and industry to tackle real-world challenges across various sectors.
Babs Omotowa, NUTM’s President and board member, articulated the university’s ambition to establish a top-tier STEM institution that mirrors the stature of MIT in Africa. He underscored the institution’s distinct attributes, including its distinguished faculty, industry-aligned curriculum, and partnerships with prestigious universities like Ivy League and Russell Group institutions.
Omotowa also highlighted the positive impact of NUTM’s alumni as entrepreneurs, job creators, and influencers in various sectors.
He reiterated NUTM’s commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance the impact on African youth and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals.
