OKOPOLY Inaugurates Technical Committee

NBTI Establishes Institutional Based Centre In Polytechnic Oko (OKOPOLY)…Inaugurates Technical Committee

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) says the collaboration with the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State was aimed at running a Polytechnic based incubator that would nurture lots of research and development outcomes from start-ups to independent free-standing technology-based businesses.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NBTI, Mr. Akinwumi Somefun in his address during the establishment of Institution-based Technology Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic Oko and the Inauguration of the technical Committee of the new centre noted that the program will pursue Commercialisation of technologies and technical innovations.

Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Board for Technology Innovation (NBTI) recently approved the establishment of Institution-based Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

Akinwumi who was represented by the NBTI South East Zonal Director, Dr. Uche P. Chukwu emphasised that NBTI would continue to focus on the promotion and development of local products saleable in both national and international markets, such that would aid Nigeria’s economic growth.

While harping on the evolution of NBTI in Nigeria, he noted that the board which is known for creating and nurturing of budding value-added and technology-based enterprise is ever ready to translate any meaningful idea and articulate business plans aimed at improving the lives of the people.

This was why the board is partnering with tertiary institutions, the private sector, and states government towards articulating business plans and converting ideas to products for commercial purposes within and outside the country.

He said the Programme will connect students to investors within and outside the country.

“Polytechnic incubators are designed to spark strategic partnerships between academia and industry, connect students to start-ups, investors and other collaborators they might not otherwise encounter.

He, however added that Polytechnic incubators provide communal resources and the physical environment essential to fostering entrepreneurial exploration.

He, therefore, charged the members of the newly inaugurated technical Committee to work hard and ensure that the centre meets up with its goals.

The Committee has the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo as chairman and the Deputy Rector Academic, Mr. Uche Onyegbu, former Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, Amb. Prince Nwankwo, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako among others as members.

Speaking, the Rector, Engr. Nwafulugo poured encomium on the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Board for Technology Incubation for approving the Institution based centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

She said the establishment of the centre is in line with the technical and vocational education and training that Polytechnics are modelled to promote.

The Rector, however commended other members of the committee and charged them to exercise a high sense of dedication and selflessness in discharging their duties for the sustainability of the project.

MySchoolNews reporting.