By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Abuja Chamber for Commerce and Industry, and the University of Abuja have partnered to boost entrepreneurship and research development.
Both parties made the Commitment at the ACCI-University of Abuja Day, 2021 in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the ACCI President, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar the event underscores the importance of the partnership both great institutions have developed over the years.
According to him, the journey into this partnership started with the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Abuja on 18th June, 2021 at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room.
The MoU prepared both parties to prepare a skilled work force, business and educational institutions to preserve our nation’s competitiveness and economic strength in response to a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world.
“Both ACCI and University of Abuja in the MoU agreed to partner in the areas of; research, training, capacity building and continuing education, workshops and conferences, executive and regular MBAs, skills development, technology and knowledge transfer, wade fairs and expos, preparation of curriculum and modules for Specialized trainings, policy advocacy, amongst others.
“The partnership was scheduled to be carried out through; the University of Abuja Business School, Centre for Sponsored Projects, The Internship & Linkages Services, The Centre for Undergraduate Research and The Centre for Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme and Student Employment (SIWES).
“Since then, the University has been partnering with the four Centres of the ACCT; Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology Centre (BEST Centre), Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC) and Abuja Trade Centre (ATC),” he further explained.
He reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to support the fast tracking of the investment process through anchoring of an investment readiness study. This will require legal agreement to secure.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah stated that the collaboration between both parties have been mutually beneficial as students are now gaining knowledge from SIWES and internship.
“The university cannot succeed without focusing on skills development which is why we are collaborating with ACCI to boost development.
“The university has approved e Development of Geology and Mining science and we hope to take off with the department soon,” he added.
He called for improved partnerships with the ACCI in the coming year for the growth and development of the country.
