June 30, 2023
In a substantial step toward enhancing the skill development of its students, Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saylor Academy, USA. This strategic partnership aims to provide additional skill development opportunities to the students, enabling them to acquire additional expertise in various disciplines and thrive in the competitive job market.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, and Mr. Jeffery S. Davidson, Executive Director of Saylor Academy, expressed their excitement about the collaboration and the mutual benefits it would bring to the University community. Under this agreement, TAU students will gain access to Saylor Academy's extensive library of online courses, and also a special assistance program for students. Moreso, academic staff members of both parties will work together to ensure that students receive the necessary guidance and assistance throughout their learning journey.
Saylor Academy, a nonprofit initiative academy known for its high-quality, self-paced courses, offers a wide range of subjects, including business, computer science, engineering, humanities, and many more at the college and professional levels, each built by subject matter experts. The courses are designed to provide practical and applicable skills, empowering students with valuable knowledge for their future careers. This partnership between TAU and Saylor Academy was initiated by Sheila Jagannathan, the Lead Learning Specialist and Program Manager of the World Bank’s Open Learning Campus (OLC), which is part of the Development Economics Knowledge Management practice of the World Bank in Washington D.C. She also serves as the organization’s focal point on Digital learning and issues at the intersection of Technology use and education in emerging countries.
Regarding the agreement, Prof. Francisca emphasized the university's commitment to providing holistic education to its students. She stated, "At TAU, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their chosen fields. This partnership with Saylor Academy will offer our students an opportunity to further enhance their skill set and increase their employability." Mr. Jeffery S. Davidson, Executive Director of Saylor Academy expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "We are delighted to partner with Thomas Adewumi University in their quest to provide their students with comprehensive educational opportunities. Our online courses are designed to be accessible, affordable, and relevant to today's job market. We look forward to supporting TAU students in their skill development journey and contributing to their success."
The MOU between TAU and Saylor Academy is expected to have a positive impact on the employability of TAU graduates. By gaining access to additional skill development resources, students will be better prepared to meet the demands of the evolving job market and contribute effectively to their respective fields. As the world becomes increasingly competitive, partnerships like this between educational institutions and skill development platforms play a vital role in bridging the gap between academia and industry requirements. The collaboration between our institution and Saylor Academy is a testament to equipping our students with practical skills and empowering them for future success.
With this MOU in place, our students can look forward to a broader range of opportunities for skill enhancement, ensuring their readiness to tackle real-world challenges and make significant contributions to society.
