FPA, Ekiti Knowledge Zone Collaborate to Promote Research, AI and Coding Training

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti has expressed its readiness to partner with the Ekiti Knowledge Zone in a bid to strengthen practical research capacity, innovation, and digital skills development among staff and students of the institution.

According to information released by the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti,this was made known by the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Temitope John Alake, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, Dr. Emmanuel Adewunmi, and members of his management team to the Polytechnic.

Represented at the meeting by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Alake emphasized the institution’s commitment to collaborations that promote academic excellence, research development, and technological advancement. He noted that Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti is well positioned to benefit from the partnership due to its pool of experienced academic and technical personnel.

According to him, the Polytechnic is richly endowed with qualified manpower and is always willing to support initiatives that enhance innovation, creativity, and practical learning among students and staff.

He further stated that the institution recognizes the growing importance of digital transformation in modern education and is therefore ready to provide the necessary institutional support to ensure the success of the proposed collaboration with the Ekiti Knowledge Zone.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, Dr. Emmanuel Adewunmi, explained that the hub was established to build strategic partnerships with educational institutions in order to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical research.

He noted that the hub focuses on equipping students and young professionals with modern technological skills such as Artificial Intelligence, coding, digital problem-solving, and other emerging technologies that are shaping the future of work.

Dr. Adewunmi emphasized that education in the 21st century must go beyond theoretical classroom teaching, adding that institutions must expose students to practical knowledge and hands-on experience that will prepare them for global competitiveness.

“The objective of the hub is to create a platform where students and lecturers can develop innovative ideas, collaborate on research projects, and acquire digital skills that will enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers,” he said.

He also noted that another key focus of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone is to support research development initiatives for academic staff and lecturers. According to him, such collaborations will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices in research and innovation.

Dr. Adewunmi added that Ekiti State has long been recognized for its strong reputation in education and intellectual development, and initiatives such as the Ekiti Knowledge Zone are designed to further strengthen that legacy by encouraging creativity, innovation, and technological advancement.

“The purpose of this partnership is to help us achieve our goals through collaboration. Ekiti is widely known as a centre for knowledge and education; therefore, innovation must be encouraged and supported through strategic partnerships with institutions like the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti,” he stated.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Director of the Centre for Research Innovation and Development (CRID), Dr. Charles Ologunde, expressed optimism that the collaboration would significantly enhance research output and innovation within the institution.

Similarly, the Director of the Centre for Skills Acquisition, Dr. Wande Fajilade, noted that the partnership would create new opportunities for students to acquire practical skills that align with industry demands and modern technological trends.

Both directors agreed that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial, as it would not only strengthen academic and research development but also promote skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and innovation among students.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working together to build a sustainable partnership that will contribute to technological development, educational advancement, and economic growth within Ekiti State and beyond.