The University of Abuja and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) have teamed up to improve information sharing, foster innovation, and build capacity.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organisations, the collaboration would be implemented through the University Business School, Internship and Linkages Services (ILS), Centre for SIWES and Student Employment Scheme (CSSE), Centre for Undergraduate Research (CUR) and Centre for Sponsored Projects (CSP) and the ACCI’s Business Entrepreneurship, Skills and Technology Centre, Dispute Resolution Centre, Abuja Trade Centre and Policy Advocacy Centre.

Research and development, technology transfer, commercialization of research outputs, training programs, internship and industrial attachment placements, creating linkages with relevant industries, mentorship programs, research funding, and policy advocacy are some of the areas where collaboration is taking place.

Prof Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said that collaborations between institutions and companies were acknowledged to have pushed the economies of the world’s most sophisticated nations.

He believes it is past time for Nigeria’s educational institutions and businesses to collaborate more closely in order to further the country’s growth.

The Vice Chancellor told ACCI that the University was prepared to play its part in accordance with international best practices in order for the cooperation to have a substantial influence on the Nigerian economy.

“I assure you that I will give this collaboration my total support. I want to make sure that our students benefit tremendously from the initiative and even more than that, that our nation benefits tremendously from its implementation,” Na’Allah said in a statement issued by the Head, Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob.

Dr. Al-Mujitaba Abubakar, President of ACCI, stated that the deal covered a crucial element of the economy.

Abubakar, who was represented by the chamber’s vice president, Barr Jude Igwe, said it is critical for businesses and educational institutions to work together to generate competent workers for the economy.

“To prepare a skilled workforce, business and educational institutions must partner to preserve our nation’s competitiveness and economic strength in response to a rapidly changing and increasing competitive world,” he said.

According to him, if the MoU is followed, it would not only improve the quality of education available to students, but it will also increase the value that students will provide to society and the country once they graduate.

Source: The Nations