CBU To Set Up Textile Training Institute

The Copperbelt University has made headways in its quest to set up a textile training institute. With the support of Government, through Zambia Development Agency, the Institution has been in discussions with DKTE Society's, Textiles and Engineering Institute based in Ichikaranji in India with a purpose of establishing the textile institute as a joint venture, said Dr. Kenneth Maseka, Project Coordinator.

CBU Registrar, Mr. Allan Ilunga checking the land allocated for the Textile Institute

Dr.Maseka said that "since 2008, several meetings have been held between CBU and DKTE both here in Zambia and India which culminated into the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding recently between the two Institutions to cement the relationship further." This was done during the recent trip to India by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mutale Mike Musonda, the Registrar, Mr Allan lIunga and Head of Chemical Engineering Department and Coordinator of the Project, Dr Maseka, Legal Counsel Mr. Denis Chileshe, Mr Charles Chifunda who is the architect and Ms Maureen Mulindwa from Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).

Progress as at now is as follows;

1. The University has developed a business plan.
2. An Investment License for the Joint Venture has been issued by ZDA.
3. Kitwe City Council has allocated 19.4 hectares of land to the Copperbelt University along Kalulushi road (at the junction between Kalulushi and Chibuluma road) for the Textile Institute. Application for Title has already been done.

It is hoped that once established, the Institute will be a centre of excellence in Africa offering both diploma and degree programmes such as Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry, Clothing Technology and, Fashion and Garment Technology to mention afew. Other services to be offered will include providing tailor- made certificate programmes, testing facilities to textile industry, research and development facilities and do consultancy works.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musonda (in red tie) during CBU team's visit to India

Great move by the Copperbelt University and we can only wish our Management the best as it engages on this mammoth task meant to contribute to the economic growth of this country.That is what Universities are for.