The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA.

With the MoU, the university will enjoy research benefits from the Carnegie Foundation in America which in turn will help create wealth from waste for the youth in Ondo State.

The cheery news was disclosed by the Chief Engagement Officer of Diaspora Innovation Institute, Prince Akin Ojomo during a chat with our correspondent.

Ojomo said plans have reached advanced stage to introduce a waste management and integration project at FUTA to teach youths how to create wealth from waste.

By this collaborative venture, he explained that the University and Carnage African Diaspora will make Ondo State a centre of excellence in creating wealth from waste.

The Diaspora Innovation Institute, a United States based diaspora engagement and Thinktank at the City University of New York, USA recently signed a Partnership Agreement with a South African institution, African Centre for Global Learning (Pty) Ltd ACGL operating a world class facilities to promote global Digital training, and exchange programmes for youths in Nigeria and South Africa.

During the event which took place in Midrand, South Africa, the Principal Consultant of the project, Mr Felix Lombwa of ACGL expressed his excitement about the program especially the partnership to attract youths from Nigeria which he said would provide a great opportunity for States to invest in the people especially the Youths.

The Training program includes; Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things IOT, Robotics and so on which forms the basis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4IR.

In his response, the Chief Engagement Officer for Diaspora Innovation Institute, USA, Prince Akinwale Ojomo who was in South Africa for the Agreement signing expressed his optimism about the program and being the partner in Nigeria to pre-qualify, screen and facilitate travel documents for participants. He further stated the benefits that will accrue to the Corporate and State Sponsors which include but not limited to having a well digitally trained citizens with current Digital Transformation Knowledge, Entrepreneurial and Self reliance skills.

In addition, he called on State governments to sponsor participants for the program as this would mean investing on the Youths to support policy challenges, innovative government, efficient service delivery and creation of Innovation Hub in the State.

The partner from Nigeria was conducted round the facilities and assured that the participants will learn under a secured environment.

Finally, ACGL, the Training firm is located in Midrand, Gauteng Province which is a safe and learning business district of South Africa. An estimated 1million youths will be trained in Africa within the next 10years .