…as IMT, Enugu and CIED, New York signs pact
The future of higher education in Africa took center stage at the formalization of the partnership between The Consortium of International Education and Development (CIED), New York and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between IMT and CIED, the Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Professor Gozie Ogbodo stressed the importance of redefining the goals of education in contemporary society.
To meet the needs of the future, he said, leaders of higher educational institutions must devise creative strategies to improve standards while seeking other avenues of overcoming funding and resource challenges.
Professor Ogbodo pointed out several initiatives undertaken within his six-month old administration of the 54-year old polythecnic including cost saving measures and revenue generation from commercializing the institution’s tractor for agricultural production.
The College president reiterated his commitment to restoring the status of IMT as envisioned by the founders in 1971 through collective leadership and innovative practices.
Ekwo initials the MOU
He expressed gratitude to the New-York based CIED for its initiatives that align with the mission of the polytecnic especially the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Education program that is expected to put the institution at the frontlines of workforce development and social relevance.
The Director of The Consortium of International Education and Development, New York, Dr. Uchenna Ekwo described the organization as a “child of circumstance” founded to provide a fresh space for research, scholarship, curriculum development, and for convening people together across different disciplines especially to support higher education in the global south.
Group photograph
Among the several initiatives to be conducted at IMT, Enugu include the establishment of a Local News Lab to be housed at the Department of Mass Communications. The Local Journalism Project aims to enhance local news coverage by creating in-depth, fact-based journalism across digital and print platforms. The college-led news reporting project by
students and faculty, Ekwo said, would be a game-changer because it would be crucial and cost-effective for filling gaps in local news.
The project to be supported by a Nigeria-based organization – Media Education Development Initiatives is expected to contribute to the strengthening of local journalism while providing educational opportunities for future media professionals.
The MOU contains a range of initiatives to support faculty and students including professional development programs such as Executive Leadership Education, establishing a News lab, faculty research collaboration, student exchange programs, short certificate programs for content creators, bloggers, mechanics, hairdressers, electricians, plumbers, Nollywood practitioners, and more.
The signing ceremony was attended by the management team of IMT including the Deputy Rector, Dr. Emeka Ejim, Registrar – Mrs. Patricia Ozoani and Regional Director of the Media Education Development Initiatives, Tpl Osmond Ozougwu.
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