By Chibisi Ohakah
The Dangote Group has announced a partnership with the German engineering firm-Haver Boecker aimed at achieving milestones in industrialization.
A statement from the Group said the decision to create such a linkage between the German firm and the Dangote Academy is to transfer relevant skills in view of the fact that Nigerian engineering graduates face skills challenge.
The statement signed by the head of Dangote Academy, Mr. Paramjit Pabby, said that the institution was established to deal with such industrial skills gap in the country.
The statement said that: “It is worrisome that the prevailing academic structure in Nigeria has not been sufficiently linked to the needs of the industry. As such industries are finding it difficult to source technical manpower and skills as per required quality number.”
Mr. Guido Neu and Klaus Siewecke paid a facility tour to the Dangote Obajana Plant and its educational arm, the Dangote Academy last week.
Speaking while conveying the visiting German engineers round the plant and Academy, Head of the Dangote Academy Mr. Paramjit Pabby said the Dangote Group was desirous of leading the way in Nigeria’s industrialization effort.
He said the engineers will help build the necessary skills for the country’s industrial takeoff by first making meaningful impact in the Dangote industries.
He said the collaboration will see to the transfer of first class and ultra modern engineering skills.
Speaking at the Dangote Cement Obajana plant Mr. Klaus Siewecke told newsmen that the 127 year-old German Company-Haver Boecker-was partnering with Dangote Group to help create a training concept to be used in the Academy.
He expressed satisfaction with the huge investment in cement by the Dangote, adding however that with the relevant technology the Dangote Cement will continue to be a flagship that will help Nigerian engineers.
“We are trying to find out what are the Academy’s major challenges and basic needs. The technology is okay but there is room for improvement,” he added.
