Taraba State University and Ministry of Science and Technology Forge Partnership to Ignite Engineering Innovation

 

On Monday, August 28th, 2023, a noteworthy event unfolded as Taraba State University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, cordially received Honourable Commissioner Comrade Muslim Usman Abdullahi Aruwa, the Permanent Secretary, and esteemed members of the state Ministry of Science and Technology. On this occasion, the university initiated a collaborative endeavor with the ministry, focusing particularly on the Faculty of Engineering, aimed at enhancing student-driven innovation projects.

Deeply appreciating the Vice-Chancellor's dedication to modernizing engineering facilities and attracting engineers from diverse fields, the team took a comprehensive tour of the Faculty of Engineering. The visit extended to various labs, including those for Agric Engineering, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the General Faculty workshop. Notably, the team admired the equipment donated by TETFund and the innovative projects completed by students.

Projects showcased during the tour included an Electrical-powered Baking Machine, a Solar Cooker, a Parabolic Solar Dryer, a Solar-driven Keke NAPEP (tricycle), a Multicrop Cereal Thresher, a Mechanical Power Weeding Machine, and a range of essential machinery such as Rolling Machines, Lathe Machines, Drilling Machines, and more.  The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for the developmental projects, underscoring their focus on technology and innovation. These projects showcased the remarkable capabilities of the students and their contributions to technological advancement.

This initiative aligns with the Taraba State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Hon. Muslim Usman Aruwa's broader efforts to promote Science and Technology education among the youth, especially within the state. Hon. Muslim Usman Aruwa's commitment materialized during his visit to the Taraba State University, where he laid the foundation for a collaborative relationship between the university and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Addressing the university's management, Hon. Muslim expressed his intention to forge a strong partnership that would enhance Science and Technology education. He praised the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for visionary policies that support education, including the reduction of school fees for university students and free education policies for primary and secondary schools. Hon. Muslim urged Taraba's citizens to rally behind the governor and his administration's endeavors.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university's commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Science and Technology. He also welcomed NGOs and international bodies to join forces with the institution to further advance Science and Technology in the state. 

During the session, Dr. S.A. Munta, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, expressed his appreciation to the Honorable Commissioner for his timely visit to the school. Dr. Munta highlighted certain challenges, notably the absence of a Central workshop, that have been impeding the optimal learning of Science and Technology at the institution. He kindly appealed to the governor to intervene and facilitate an environment that enables staff members to excel in their respective departments.

This collaborative endeavor between Taraba State University and the Ministry of Science and Technology is poised to propel the state's education and innovation landscape to new heights, thanks to the joint efforts of academia, government, and industry stakeholders.