By Moromoke Akanji
Mr Ibraheem Bello,the Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board (IAB), Faculty of Engineering, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun, has pledged to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry to enhance the quality of engineering education in Nigeria.
Bello made the pledge in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo, saying the initiative would produce graduates equipped to meet the demands of the global workplace.
According to the statement, Bello, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan Branch, spoke during his acceptance speech at his inauguration as chairman of the board.
He described his appointment as “a call to service” and expressed appreciation to the university management for the confidence reposed in him.
Bello pledged to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, professionalism, transparency and integrity.
Speaking on the theme of the inauguration, “Bridging Industry Gaps, Advancing Educational Excellence, and Celebrating Academic Milestone,” he said sustainable partnerships between universities and industry were critical to technological advancement, innovation and national development.
He noted that the IAB would serve as a strategic platform for linking classroom learning with practical industry experience.
Bello added that he would ensure engineering graduates acquire skills required to compete globally.
According to him, the board will prioritise strengthening partnerships between the faculty and relevant industries, and promote curriculum development in line with emerging technologies and global best practices.
He said it would also facilitate research collaboration and innovation, support the commercialisation of research outcomes, and expand internship, mentorship and career development opportunities for students.
Bello further stressed the need to encourage entrepreneurship among engineering students to boost employability and drive economic growth.
He observed that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development in infrastructure, energy, transportation, manufacturing and digital technology requires universities to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also innovative, entrepreneurial and ethically grounded.
Bello assured the university community of his commitment to working with management, faculty, industry stakeholders and board members to achieve the institution’s vision of academic excellence and industry relevance.(NAN) www.nannews.ng