His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Taraba State, and Mika Penttila, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Oulu in Finland and Director of Educational Services, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a three-year strategic partnership. This agreement focuses on collaboration in Education, Health, and Mining Development, highlighting a mutual commitment to progress in these sectors.
As a result of this MOU, Taraba State is now officially recognized as an associate member of “Mining Finland,” a consortium of top-grade Finnish mining companies. This announcement was made by Mr. Lasse Moulanen, Head Director of Mining Finland, during a handshake with Governor Kefas. The partnership emphasizes responsible and sustainable mining practices, aiming to position Taraba as a model for ethical mining in Nigeria.
In the field of education, the collaboration aims to enhance academic exchanges, facilitate knowledge transfer, expand vocational training, and promote collaborative research initiatives between educational institutions in Taraba State and Oulu. This will provide students and scholars with valuable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and contribute to the global knowledge pool.
In the health sector, the MOU underscores a commitment to address healthcare challenges, share best practices, and promote the exchange of medical expertise. The goal is to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance medical services, and ultimately benefit the communities in both regions.
In mining development, the agreement reflects a joint effort to leverage expertise and resources for sustainable practices. The collaboration aims to promote responsible mining, environmental conservation, and the development of innovative technologies, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The University of Oulu’s Mining School will collaborate with the University of Taraba State to establish a mining department, advancing education and expertise in the sector. This partnership underscores Taraba’s dedication to responsible mining and positions it as a leader in this field within Nigeria.
Accompanying Governor Kefas to Oulu were Dr. Austina Godwin, Commissioner of Education; Yakubu Maikasuwa, Commissioner for Justice; and Hon. Josiah Yaro, Chairman of the House Committee on Education.
