An agreement has been signed by some members of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and other African Vice-Chancellors aimed at addressing challenges in the African education system, with emphasis on shifting from agrarian to industrial economic model.

The agreement titled Subsoil of Africa was signed during a ceremony at St. Petersburg Mining University on in Russia.

A statement issued by the Secretary General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, (CVCNU), Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, stated that the collaboration involves over 130 organizations from 42 African countries, focusing on higher education, scientific institutions, geological communities, and mining companies.

The agreement also fosters academic exchanges and knowledge transfer, addressing the specific needs of African countries in fields like mineral prospecting.

Professor Paul Omojo Omaji, the Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University Ibusa -Delta State Nigeria and President of the Subsoil of Africa Consortium of Higher Education Institutions at the ceremony said, the establishment of the consortium is a crucial mechanism for Africas development, accusing organizations like the World Bank of hindering progress.

Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of St. Petersburg Mining University, which is over 250 years old, highlighted the importance of technical universities focusing on priority goals and the need for a different higher education model in Africa.

The consortium plans to establish Russian university branches in mainland African countries, offering education in the Russian language.

Key areas of cooperation includeforming joint scientific teams, creating engineering centres and undertaking specific industrial projects related to mineral resource exploration and processing.

The consortiums mission extends to developing model laws for subsoil use management, emphasizing state regulation to ensure African countries benefit more from resource exploitation, he said.

Alexei Demidov, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions in St. Petersburg, emphasized the readiness of local universities to support partners in Africa.

The Nedra consortium, a Russian counterpart focusing on education of subsoil use, expressed interest in further cooperation, signaling a potential new partnership level between Russia and Africa.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, fostering equitable collaboration, and addressing the African continents economic challenges, noted the consortium.

Participants expressed optimism about collaborating with Russia, highlighting its lack of colonial history and its potential for fair income distribution. (THISDAY)