In an unprecedented development, the town of Offa is rapidly transforming into a hub for electronics motherboards, particularly Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). The ONEIH-Kola Balogun Technology Centre (O-KBTC) will be celebrating the graduation of a new cohort of PCB designers, producers, and developers at its training centre in Offa in August 2024, with participants drawn from senior professionals and academics.
The training programme, which was declared open by the CEO of One Innovation Hub, Engr Taofeeq Olatinwo, includes participants from over 10 higher institutions across two geographical zones of Nigeria—namely the North Central and South West regions—began on 12th August 2024. The week-long "Training of Trainers" programme includes lecturers, students, and technologists, with backgrounds in electronics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and software development. Trainers from the MEMMCOL School, Momas Group of Companies, under the Chairmanship of Engr. (Dr.) Kola Balogun, arrived at the facility to install and set up advanced equipment for producing single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs. Participants had the opportunity to witness the installation and testing of these systems before being guided through the intricacies of PCB design and production using the advanced facilities.
During a visit to the training centre on Wednesday, 14th August 2024, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Summit University, Offa, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, expressed his appreciation for the high level of training being provided and the enthusiasm of the trainees. He commended the initiative, referring to it as an "Academic Immersion Programme," where industry experts share their knowledge with academia, helping to realise the vision of "Offa Tuntun"—making Offa a renowned producer of electronics motherboards.
Professor Aibinu also extended his gratitude to the Chairman of MOMAS Group for spearheading this initiative and to the Board and management of One Innovation Hub, Offa, for their unwavering commitment to engaging the youth and changing the narrative in the society and higher institution. Speaking on behalf of the participating institutions, he assured that the trainees would return to their respective institutions to conduct similar training programmes, thereby ensuring the widespread dissemination of these valuable skills and knowledge.
He also took the opportunity to tour the facilities and assess the preparedness for the next phase, which will involve the training of artisans, SMEs, and unemployed graduates from 23rd to 28th September 2024. He noted that the collaboration between academia and industry is taking root and, with the launch of the ONEIH-Kola Balogun Technology Centre in December 2023, the region is poised to tap into the vast potential of PCB technologies, positioning itself as a key player in the global PCB industry.
Professor Aibinu expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between One Innovation Hub (ONEIH), Offa, Kwara State, and Teasoo Consulting Limited. He stated that the partnership is set to play a pivotal role in rolling out PCB training locally, empowering the youth of Nigeria with cutting-edge technological skills and knowledge. Teasoo Consulting Limited, with offices in Benin City, Abuja, and Lagos State, brings extensive expertise in project management, organisational development, public sector and governance advisory services, and digital transformation.
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