Covenant University Nigeria Unveils 2014 Summer Programme

(3rd – R) Dr. Roland Worlu, Coordinator of the Covenant
University Centre for Life-Long Learning, with one of the
visiting Professors, Victor Mbarika (4th – R) and other
Covenant University faculty members after one of the workshops.

The faculty and staff of Covenant University, as well as the general public are scheduled to begin a series of highly impactful summer training symposiums, workshops and conferences, covering diverse areas of study and anchored by very reputable visiting professors from world-class Universities.

The training events scheduled to run till the end of June, 2014, is anchored by the University’s Centre for Life-long Learning headed by Dr. Roland Worlu, in collaboration with the International Office and Linkages Directorate, headed by Dr. Sheriff Folarin.

Planned alongside the summer events, is the Summer Exchange Programme for regulars students, who would be going abroad on the 27th of June, 2014 for various types of vocational trainings.

Speaking on the exchange programme, the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Charles Korede Ayo, said the exercise is specially put together to make Covenant University students stand out in the global job market. The Vice-Chancellor observed that the recruitment companies often express how cultural immersion can be more valuable than one more certificate, and Multi National Enterprises (MNEs) want their companies to thrive with graduates valuing cross-cultural experience.

The Summer Exchange programme, has evolved according to the Vice-Chancellor, since the inception of the scheme in 2011. It now features vocational courses in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering; 3D laser scanning; Design & 3D printing; Aerospace Engineering (Jet Engine Performance Analysis and Flight Simulation Experience) and Petroleum & Gas Engineering (Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques, Mud Engineering). Others are: Business & Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Entrepreneurship; Employability Skills; Media City & Cultural Capital; Current Issues in Financial Services; Introduction to Applied Psychology; Spaces and Places; International Business; Entrepreneurship and American History & Culture.

The participating Universities, Professor Ayo said, are from the United States and Britain. The Universities for the United States Summer School location, include, Fayetteville State University; North Carolina and Tuskegee University, Alabama. While the Universities listed for the summer in Britain are: University of the West of England; University of Roehampton, London; Teesside University; Lincoln University; University of Northampton; and the University of Birmingham.

The Director of the International Office and Linkages of Covenant University, Dr. Sheriff Folarin, while speaking on the redesigning of the components of the CU Summer School Exchange Programme, said, “Unlike previous summer exchange programmes, which were more of taster programmes, students will this time around, have the opportunity to undertake courses and obtain quality certificates in vocational skills and specialized courses.”

Dr. Folarin also explained that the programme will give the students, a better appreciation of other cultures as well as their own; prepare them to face challenges in the future, by learning to creatively solve problems, since it also encourages a better understanding of their personal strengths and weaknesses.

Commenting on the Summer Training Initiative, the Coordinator of the Covenant University Centre for Life-Long Learning, Dr. Roland Worlu, described the ongoing programme for this year’s summer training as an unparalleled opportunity for everyone who values self-development to enhance their skills in order to add value to themselves, their organizations or institutions.

Dr. Worlu enthused that his dream is to see this Summer Training initiative turn into a full-blown Institute that will bridge the educational gap in all departments of the University, and enable people who ordinarily would not have been able to pick up their educational journey from where they stopped due to age, time factor, or similar handicaps be able to get back on their educational tracks.

Furthermore, he said, “Having had the opportunity to interact with other Universities abroad, I have a broader view of both the local dimension of Life-long Learning which involves local resource personnel; as well as the International dimension of Life-long Learning which involves International trainers or resource personnel.”

Dr. Worlu stated that the Centre for Life-long Learning has come a long way to gaining significant recognition since its inception in 2011; with most of its accomplishments coming under his dynamic leadership; as his vision is to turn the Centre into a global capacity building platform, alongside CU’s regular programmes.

He listed the various courses available on the vocational training platform as, Web Mobile Application Development; Chemical Analysis and Laboratory Techniques; Autocad & Inventor; Real Estate Marketing; Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) Intro & ADV; Practical Software Design Development; Customer Service Strategies; S A P TERP-10; Real Estate Development Software; Computer Appreciation & Internet; Printed Circuit Board Design Training; Microcontroller Based System Design Training; Renewable or Alternative Energy; Autodesk 3D Studio; Group Decision Making; Certificate in Public Administration; Certificate in Print Journalism; Certificate in Policy Studies; Certificate in Basic Communicative French; Event Designing/Management, Pastries, Drinks/Water Production; Bakery; Grass Cutter Farming; Candle Making; Fish Farming; Tie & Dye/Batik; Soap and Cosmetics and Snail Farming.

Others are: E-HRM (practice for optimal performance); Econometric Modelling & Estimation Techniques; Writing of Business Plan & Feasibility Report; Fashion Designing; Beads &Wire Works; Shoe Making; Bags & Leather Works; Hairdressing & Barbing Saloon; Beauty Enhancement & Health Management; Photography & Video Coverage; Perfumery; Business Communication & Public Speaking; Data Analysis & Business Modelling Using Microsoft Excel; Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling; Certificate in Marketing & Salesmanship; Certificate in Public Relations and Advertising; Certificate in Financial Management; Certificate in Diplomacy; Certificate in Career Counselling; Corporate Finance & Investment; Social Statistic for Non-Statisticians; Professional Public Relations and Practice; E- Learning Workshop; Certificate in Relationship Skills Building; Counselling; Epidemiology/Reproductive Health (workshop); Financial Statement Analysis for Small & Medium Scale Enterprise (workshop); Organizational Branding & Service Marketing; Problem Solving and Decision Making; Basic Course in Social Statistical Packages; Counselling Skills for Specialized Professionals (Pastors/ Ministers).

Dr. Worlu said the programme time-table for each course, can be accessed via the university’s website for appropriate dates and time of take-off. He said certificates will be awarded for most of the courses.