Meru University Partners with China’s Vocational College for E-Commerce and ICT Programmes
Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has collaborated with Tianjin City Vocational College (TCVC) of the People’s Republic of China to establish a Luban Workshop sub-center at the university, located at Nchiru along Meru-Maua Road.
Luban Workshop, named after the well-known ancient Chinese Master Craftsman Lu Ban, is a Chinese vocational training initiative for overseas talent.
Prof. Romanus Odhiambo of Meru University of Science and Technology in Kenya and Tianjin City Vocational College in China announced during the workshop’s opening ceremony at the university that the initiative is the result of a successful collaboration between the two institutions.
The initiative, he added, was founded on the shared vision of enhancing technical and vocational education and training in Kenya, which aligns perfectly with the commitment to cultivate international academic partnerships.
Prof. Odhiambo emphasized that the partnership signified more than just symbolism; it underscored a dedication to taking concrete steps and making advancements. He pointed out that the Luban Workshop, a joint endeavor with Tianjin City Vocational College, marked a substantial stride in their endeavors to enhance vocational education and skill development in Kenya.
He went on to explain that within this workshop, they intended to establish specific educational programs, including the Vocational Education Lecture Hall, Silk Road E-commerce, and Information and Communication Technology education programs. Each of these programs aimed to equip students and professionals with practical skills and knowledge that aligned with the evolving demands of modern technology.
He added that the workshop will be a place where theoretical knowledge meets practical training, and where classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and practical tasks will be seamlessly integrated.
He further elaborated that this initiative would serve as a nexus for connecting academia and industry.
Its primary goal was to produce graduates who possessed not only theoretical knowledge but also exceptional skills, making them well-prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary era.
The VC stated that they envisioned a brighter future for vocational education in Kenya, with the goal of producing graduates who not only excel in their chosen disciplines but also serve as pillars for the economic development of the two countries.
Through the Luban Workshop, experts from Tianjin City Vocational College collaborate with Meru University of Science and Technology to offer training programs in e-commerce and information and communication technology.
Mr. Liu Sheng, TCVC’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, stated that the programs that will be offered at the workshop are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for the dynamic job market and that they represent an invaluable bridge between Kenya and China, fostering knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between the two nations.
“I am confident that the Kenya Luban Workshop Sub-Centre at Meru University of Science and Technology will become a beacon of excellence, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our nations,” Sheng stated.
Zhang Yijun, Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, was also present at the event. He remarked that the initiative between the two educational institutions will greatly enhance friendship and cooperation, not only between the institutions, but also between the two countries.
Meru University Partners with China’s Vocational College for E-Commerce and ICT Programmes
