To boost technical education: Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company seals deal with MINESEC.

The partnership agreement between the two institutions was signed Friday September 27 at the Distance Learning Centre in Yaounde.

The Director General of KHPC, Christophe Avognon, and the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof Pauline Nalova Lyonga, penned the agreement on behalf of the respective institutions they head.

The partnership which centres around the Kikot-Mbebe hydroelectric development project, seeks to transform education in the project’s area of influence.

It will be in terms of upgrading schools, training teachers, and establishing new technical programmes that aligned with the needs of the country’s growing hydroelectric sector.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Christophe Avognon expressed his deep admiration for the Cameroonian education system.

“Having been a teacher at the beginning of my career, I want to express my sincere admiration and gratitude for the efforts being made to educate the youth of this beautiful country,” Avognon said. 

He added that: “Today’s signing marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that I am confident will yield tangible results for all stakeholders. The goal is to improve technical training in schools within the influence zone of our hydroelectric project”.

Avognon further emphasised that the partnership represents a shared vision to enhance the competitiveness of technical secondary education institutions. 

He noted that by focusing on vocational pathways that align with the construction and operation of hydroelectric infrastructure, the initiative will create lasting opportunities for the country’s youth.

According to the Director General of KHPC, the agreement signed with the ministry, goes beyond a partnership, adding that it signals a commitment to making strategic investments in educational infrastructure and capacity-building for educators. 

The project, he said, will ensure that schools receive upgraded facilities and modern equipment to better serve students. 

He highlighted that one of the most important part of the partnership is the fact that the initiative will encourage both young men and women to pursue careers in technical fields, fostering an inclusive learning environment.

“Our collaboration with the Ministry of Secondary Education will focus on upgrading infrastructure and equipment, as well as promoting inclusive technical education where both young boys and girls can thrive,” Avognon remarked before added that “strengthening the capacity of education professionals is essential for the success of this partnership”.

Avognon noted that, “We are not just building a dam to generate electricity; we are also nurturing future talent and transferring skills for the development, construction, and operation of hydroelectric infrastructure across Cameroon and the sub-region”.

Minister reiterates gov’t’s commitment to improve education

Prof Nalova Lyonga on her part emphasised on government’s commitment to improving education at all levels. 

She thanked KHPC for its partnership and vision, noting that the collaboration represents a major step forward in achieving the country’s education and energy goals.

“We have the largest number of learners in Cameroon, young people who are looking for employment and we feel very happy when such an opportunity to give them the technical training comes up,” the minister said.

The secondary education minister added that: “We are building not only a brighter future for our children but also a stronger, more prosperous nation,”, adding that the partnership is laying groundwork for a future where technical education will be more accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the country's development priorities.

Partnership fits new technical curricula

According to the partnership, as part of the new technical curricula, students will be trained not only in the technical aspects of energy production but also in best practices for environmental protection, an approach which aligns with the country’s broader objectives of sustainable development and green energy production.

Again, through the partnership, students will be exposed to the latest advancements in hydroelectric technology, enabling them to contribute to both national and global efforts to combat climate change. 

By linking technical education to environmental awareness, the project aims to foster a generation of responsible engineers and technicians who will prioritize sustainability in their future careers.

Boost employable and enable economic growth

One of the most anticipated outcomes of the partnership is its potential impact on youth employment. 

According to the officials, with the high youth unemployment rate in the country, the new technical education programmes will provide young people with the skills needed to secure jobs in high-demand sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

The partnership is expected to create a pipeline of skilled workers who can contribute to the on-going development of the country’s energy sector. 

By aligning with the educational programmes with industry needs, the initiative will help reduce the country's dependence on foreign expertise, fostering local talent and promoting economic independence.

About KHPC

The Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company, KHPC was set up in September 2023 with the aim to design, develop, build and operate the Kikot-Mbebe hydroelectric scheme.

The project is expected to be realsied over the River Sanaga, in a location that cuts across the Sanaga Maritime Division of the Littoral Region as well as the Nyong and Kelle, Lekie and Mbam and Inoubou divisions of the Centre Region

The company whose works are expected to kick off in 2025 is expected to supply at least 500 megawatt of electricity by 2030.

The main works consist of a retaining dam, a generating plant and a very high voltage transmission line. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3245 of Monday September 30, 2024