Swiss technology company, Firmenich, last week boosted the Yaba College of Technology, YabaTech with a technology driven flavour laboratory, just as it also awarded three students of the institution with scholarships.
Commissioning the tech lab in Lagos, at the weekend, the company, touted as the world’s largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company, said the strategic partnership with YabaTech was to ensure long term and sustainable commercial production of high quality flavor applications for the food and beverage industry in Western Africa.
For Firmenich, leveraging local academic competencies reinforces connections with local customers and leads to a positive impact on the economy.
“The partnership with Yaba College of Technology demonstrates our commitment to developing a direct presence in Nigeria to ensure an understanding of the Nigerian consumers taste and be closer to the local food and beverage manufacturers,” says Mr. Emmanuel Frenck, VP Sub Saharan Africa, Firmenich Flavor Division.
Mr. Akin Opeifa, head of Food Science and Technology at the college however, added that “the Yaba College of Technology will substantially increase the value of our curriculum and offerings though this partnership. We will gain valuable recognition and an enhanced reputation within the food and beverage industries thanks to the additional training, practical work and equipment we will receive.”
As a part of the agreement, which is set for an initial five years, Firmenich will also provide full scholarships (covering tuition and expenses) each year for three students in their final year of studies. These students will be selected based on criteria jointly-defined with the Department’s management.
Recent Comments