News

Edo Poly, Shaanxi Poly China, Yongxing Steel Company Partner To Train Technicians, Boost Knowledge Transfer Of Chinese Technologies

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2023

Editor

In what is perhaps the greatest effort to domesticate Chinese technology in Nigeria, the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute, China and leading steel manufacturer, Yongxing Steel Company, Edo State, have concluded plans for training of technicians, joint research ventures and exchange programmes that would boost knowledge transfer of Chinese technology.

This was contained in a formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Edo State Government and China’s Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute.

The collaboration seeks to establish a mutually beneficial relationship fostering academic and expertise exchange between Shaanxi Polytechnic and Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, with a primary focus on the enhancement of technical and vocational education.

The milestone agreement was sealed during the recent visit of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to China, accompanied by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, for the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference.

Highlighting the essence of this collaboration, Dr. Joan said, “The Edo State government actively pursued this partnership to fortify the TVET framework within Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, through cooperation with Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute.”

Dr. Joan emphasized that the MOU aims to localize Shaanxi Polytechnic’s curriculum to enrich Edo State Polytechnic’s academic structure and facilitate knowledge transfer, commencing from the 2023 academic session.

She said “the agreement encompasses a comprehensive strategy for capacity building, including the exchange of scholars, joint research ventures, and the establishment of cross-cultural educational programs. These initiatives are designed to diversify the academic landscape, providing students and faculty with varied perspectives and innovative methodologies.”

The commissioner added “the partnership will lead to the introduction of new programs and the creation of a dual Diploma Award, enabling Edo Polytechnic students to spend two years in Nigeria and a subsequent year in China upon graduation.”

The Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe for their continuous support towards the growth of the polytechnic in its bid to be a globally competitive institution of higher learning.

Engr. Umoruyi said Yongxing Steel Co. Ltd, a steel production company, in Benin City, Edo State, will champion the establishment of the “Qin Gong Yuan” Initiative in Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.

He said: “the QIN GONG YUAN initiative which is an International Vocational Educational initiative launched by Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute will help in training students of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen as technicians and skilled persons that serve as workforce requirements of enterprises and companies to promote national economic development.”

“The initiative will also assist students of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen to get acquainted with China, cultivate skilled technical talents who understand Chinese technologies and cultures through a combination of cultivating talents.”

The Rector added, “It will serve as a venture to develop training courses, formulate training plans & criterions and compile training materials. The training will meet the needs of different personnel such as vocational college students, unemployed youths as well as the employees of Chinese enterprises and other enterprises in Edo State.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.