Thirty-seven Engineering students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, have commenced an intensive international practical training programme in Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Intelligent Control Technology, at Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, ZUME, in Hangzhou, China.

The development marks a major milestone in the university’s internationalisation agenda aimed at exposing students to global best practices, emerging technologies and industry-driven learning experiences.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said the programme reflects the vision of ABUAD Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to build a world-class institution capable of producing globally competitive graduates.

According to her, the initiative is part of the university’s deliberate efforts to prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly technology-driven world.

She explained that the training programme emerged from strategic engagements between ABUAD and leading Chinese institutions, including ZUME and the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, SIIT.

Olarinde said visits by ABUAD officials to the institutions in 2024 culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in March 2026, paving the way for the current student exchange and training programme.

“The visits were purposeful engagements driven by our determination to expose ABUAD students to global best practices in Engineering, Innovation, Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Intelligent Control Technology,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the collaboration goes beyond academic exchange, describing it as a practical model that combines classroom learning with real-world industrial exposure.

Before departing for China, the students underwent a three-month theoretical training programme at ABUAD to prepare them academically, professionally and culturally for the international experience.

She said the university also developed a structured curriculum to ensure a seamless integration of theoretical knowledge with practical industrial training.

According to Olarinde, the students are now participating in advanced technological training within ZUME’s laboratories, lecture halls and industrial facilities, where they are being exposed to technologies shaping the future of manufacturing and automation.

She added that the programme demonstrates ABUAD’s commitment to experiential learning and global partnerships capable of enhancing the quality of its graduates.

“The future belongs to institutions willing to prepare students not only for today’s realities but also for tomorrow’s possibilities,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Moses Onibonje, and Associate Professor, Dr. Princess Imhade Okokpuje, are also in China to provide mentorship, academic guidance and institutional support for the students throughout the programme.

She expressed confidence that the students would distinguish themselves as worthy ambassadors of ABUAD and Nigeria while acquiring valuable international exposure.

Olarinde described the initiative as evidence that quality education can transcend national boundaries and create opportunities for students to compete globally.

She said the university would continue to pursue strategic international partnerships aimed at strengthening innovation, research and human capital development.

According to her, the ABUAD-ZUME partnership reflects the institution’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and global perspective required to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.