In a significant move to strengthen ties between the corporate and academic sectors, the management of NEM Insurance Plc, led by its Chairman, Mr. Tope Smart, hosted Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), at the company’s Lagos headquarters. The courtesy visit underscored both institutions’ commitment to fostering collaboration and developing initiatives that align educational outcomes with industry needs.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision of NEM Insurance and YabaTech to create synergies that will equip students with the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce. During the visit, key discussions centered on cooperative projects aimed at closing the gap between academia and the business world.
NEM Insurance’s Commitment to Educational Growth
Mr. Andrew Ikekhua, Managing Director of NEM Insurance Plc, expressed his gratitude for the Rector’s visit and reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting educational development in Nigeria. “At NEM Insurance, we understand how important education is in determining our country’s future. We’re dedicated to supporting programmes that get students ready for the ever-changing needs of the workforce,” Ikekhua stated.
He emphasized the company’s belief in the transformative power of education and its role in shaping a skilled and competitive workforce. NEM Insurance’s involvement in such initiatives aligns with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and its strategic focus on human capital development.
YabaTech’s Focus on Industry-Ready Graduates
In his remarks, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YabaTech, highlighted the institution’s mission to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to meet the demands of the contemporary workplace. “YabaTech is committed to producing graduates who are both academically strong and prepared for the workforce. Working together with companies like NEM Insurance is crucial to accomplishing this objective,” Dr. Abdul said.
He commended NEM Insurance for its consistent support of YabaTech and its contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s insurance sector. The Rector expressed optimism that the partnership would yield tangible benefits for students and the broader educational community.
Key Collaborative Initiatives
During the visit, both parties agreed to explore specific projects and initiatives in the coming months. These include:
- Internship Opportunities: YabaTech students will have access to internship programmes at NEM Insurance, providing them with hands-on experience in the insurance industry.
- Specialized Courses: The potential development of specialized courses in risk management and insurance, tailored to meet industry standards and demands.
- Customized Training Programmes: The creation of tailored training programmes to equip students with practical skills in the insurance and financial services sectors.
- Capacity Building: Joint efforts to enhance the capacity of both institutions through knowledge sharing and resource mobilization.
NEM Insurance’s Assurance of Support
Mr. Tope Smart, Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, assured YabaTech of the company’s full support for the proposed projects and other areas of collaboration. “Your requests are guaranteed, and working together, we can accomplish significant milestones for YabaTech and NEM,” Smart affirmed. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development and empowering Nigerian youth for a brighter future.
A Step Towards Empowering Nigerian Youth
This collaboration between NEM Insurance and YabaTech reflects a growing trend of corporate-academic partnerships aimed at addressing the skills gap in Nigeria’s labour market. By combining resources and expertise, both institutions aim to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth.
NEM Insurance’s proactive approach to CSR and its focus on human capital development demonstrate its commitment to nation-building. As the partnership with YabaTech takes shape, stakeholders anticipate a mutually beneficial relationship that will empower students, strengthen the insurance sector, and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The successful implementation of these initiatives will not only enhance the employability of YabaTech graduates but also position NEM Insurance as a key player in bridging the gap between education and industry. Both institutions look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will set a benchmark for future corporate-academic partnerships in Nigeria.
