- Schneider equips FUTO’s Electrical Engineering Department with industry-grade training benches and instructor support.
- The partnership expands Schneider’s education footprint and prepares students for global energy-sector opportunities
Schneider Electric has partnered with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), to advance energy skills development in Nigeria, the company said on Monday, November 24. The collaboration involves donating industry-specific training equipment to FUTO’s Electrical Engineering Department, providing students with practical experience aligned with global energy standards.
Meanwhile, the initiative is part of Schneider Electric’s wider Access to Education programme in West Africa, which aims to train one million people in energy management by 2025. Earlier this year, the company made similar donations to three technical colleges in Lagos.
At FUTO, students will use customised didactic benches covering domestic wiring and industrial motor starter applications, providing hands-on experience to bridge classroom theory and industry practice. Head of the department, Professor Matthew Olubiwe, also stated that the equipment would enhance practical learning and better prepare students for industry demands.
Funmilayo Olakitan, Schneider Electric Foundation Delegate for West Africa, said universities are critical to developing Nigeria’s future workforce. She added the partnership will give students exposure to tools and technologies used in today’s energy sector, enhancing local employability and global competitiveness. Schneider Electric also provided instructor training to support effective knowledge transfer.
The company said the FUTO partnership expands its educational outreach beyond Lagos, aiming to develop engineers and entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s energy transition.