By NATION REPORTER
MINISTER of Education Douglas Syakalima has called for strong linkages between learning institutions and industries.
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Mr Syakalima said linkages between tertiary Institutions and industries would enable students acquire practical knowledge through attachments to various industries.
The minister was speaking after touring Chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri-Dev Limited, a farm in Chibombo that is cultivating, harvesting and processing marigold.
He said Chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri-Dev Limited was in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mulungushi University that would allow students at the university to be attached at the farm for their practical experiences.
“We want to develop a cadre of graduates with expertise in both theory and practical aspects of their respective studies.
This is why this MoU must succeed so that students at Mulungushi University have an opportunity to learn practical side of their studies in real industries. For that reason, we would be happy to see the MoU signed as quickly as possible.” Mr Syakalima said.
And Mulungushi University Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kawunga Nyirenda said the university has reached an advanced stage in the process of signing an MoU with Chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri-Dev Limited.
He said the MoU would see 50 students from the university be attached to chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri-Dev Limited annually to have a feel of practical work.
And Chenguang Biotech Zambia Agri-Dev Limited Assistant to General Manager Wang Jinhu said the company is ready to partner with the university and impart practical skills in students.
He said the company has so far invested US$80 million in the farm and is desperately looking for labour as the cultivating, harvesting and processing of marigold in labour intensive.
“We have a field of 6, 800 hecteres and we currently need between 4, 000 and 5, 000 workers daily but we are only managing 1, 500.
This means we desperately need human resources for our farm to work effectively and efficiently.” Mr Wang said.
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