By Okechukwu Okechukwu
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Tuesday, signed three Memorada of Understanding (MoU) with the Chairman, United Nigeria Airline (UNA), Dr Obiora Okonkwo, to train students on Aviation industry, produce livestock feeds and promote exchange programme with Russian institutions.
Okonkwo, who is also the Governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party for Anambra State November 6 poll, was at the University with some top management staff of UNA including Engr. Alexander Iheuwa, Director Engineering and Maintenance department.
He said the first MoU which was between United Nigeria Airline and NAU would make it possible for the airline to accept up to 20 students of Engineering Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University every year for internship/industrial practical training, exposure and other opportunities in Aviation industry.
According to him, the second one between Obiora Okonkwo Foundation and NAU was aimed at producing scientifically approved and commercalised livestock feed, while the third via Russian-Nigeria Chambers of Commerce and Industry would help to promote exchange programme between the university and some Russia based institutions.
"The three MoU means skills and manpower development. They are public private partnership programmes with great impact. They will help students and staff of the university in many ways. They will enhance the capacity of staff and students, expose them to various opportunities, and also increase the institutions Internally Generated Revenue.
"What was not included in the MoU that I promised the university is to facilitate opening of department of Russian languages in order to expose the students to the language and culture of Russians and other inherent opportunities like employment. I have being doing this before and I will continue not minding the outcome of the Anambra State Saturday November 6 Governorship Election. Once I become governor, I will empty Russian investors into Anambra State with up to N10bn business investments," he added.
Welcoming him, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, represented by Prof. Frederick Odibo, deputy vice-chancellor (Academic), thanked the benefactor for the strong relationship he had established with the university having sponsored other programmes in the past including the recently unveiled Igba Boyi (Igbo apprenticeship) research programme.
Esimone, who said the university was prepared to accommodate more programmes, said he was confident that with the full actualisation of the three MoUs, the students and staff capacity would be enhanced just as the IGR of the citadel of learning would be improved.