MAPOLY Welcomes German International Development Cooperation (GIZ) Delegation to Bolster Skills Training and Facility Development
MAPOLY, Abeokuta, recently hosted high-ranking delegates from the German International Development Cooperation (GIZ) and other educational and regulatory agencies to discuss collaborative, competence-based training for staff and students.
UBA CHIDINMA 
Management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, recently hosted high-ranking delegates from the German International Development Cooperation (GIZ) and other educational and regulatory agencies to discuss collaborative, competence-based training for staff and students. This visit marks a significant step towards enhancing skill acquisition and technical training at the institution.
Leading the GIZ delegation, Mr. Christian Stehling disclosed that their objective was to assess the facilities at MAPOLY and identify areas for support. He noted that GIZ is committed to empowering institutions with resources and training that align with global standards, helping Nigerian polytechnics and universities foster skills development.
During his welcome address, MAPOLY Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, emphasized the importance of the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) "Skills Beyond Degrees and Diplomas" campaign, advocating for a standardized approach to integrate both formal and informal sectors in skills development. He expressed optimism that GIZ’s partnership would strengthen competence and capacity among MAPOLY’s staff and students, benefiting the institution as a whole.
The visiting delegation included representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, and the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce. Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu from GIZ highlighted the agency’s goal to support qualified institutions with facility upgrades and training programs, following a preliminary forensic survey that identified MAPOLY as a promising beneficiary.
Accompanied by MAPOLY’s Director of the Skill Development Center, Engr. Dr. Ahmad Apampa, and the Acting Director of the School of Engineering, Engr. Dr. Jide Adenekan, the team conducted a thorough facility inspection of departments such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Electronics, Civil Engineering, Building Technology, Office Technology Management, and Food Science Technology.
The delegates expressed satisfaction with MAPOLY’s infrastructure and commitment to skill development, pledging to recommend MAPOLY for GIZ’s full inclusion in its program starting January 2025. As an immediate show of support, GIZ offered to install a solar power facility for the School of Engineering to enhance lab and workshop operations for student training.
Earlier in 2023, GIZ trained 300 MAPOLY students under the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) scheme to promote youth empowerment through technical vocational education. GIZ operates across 54 countries, with active projects in six Nigerian states: Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Plateau, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
