Aquaculture and capture fisheries in developing countries is expected to take a new impetus following the rolling out a Professional Master Program in Fisheries Science by Wuxi Fisheries College of Nanjing Agriculture University [NAU].
Various high level academician have since lauded the program as it is the desire of the government of The People's Republic of China [PRC] to share its innovations and technological skills that have propelled it become world`s leader in aquaculture to other developing nations so that they achieve a similar fete.
Speaking during the official launch of the two year Master program at Wuxi Fisheries College campus on October 9, 2015, Professor Xu Xiang, Vice President of Nanjing Agriculture University [NAU] expressed optimism that various innovative practical skills and knowledge will be transferred to individual participants that will help transform the nature and status of aquaculture and fisheries for higher returns in respective countries.
Fisheries and aquaculture constitutes one of the world's fastest growing agriculture industry considering its unravelled contribution to food security and poverty alleviation to large populations.
" Through this program", Professor Xu stressed, " China will strengthen its corporation with other developing countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and the program serves as a platform to strengthen the friendship and corporation".
The two year Professional Masters in fisheries Science 2015 - 2017 is the first of its kind and is being run by Wuxi Fisheries College, an affiliate of Nanjing Agriculture University which ranks 40th among all universities in China.
The program aims at transferring profound knowledge and skills in fisheries science based on candid theory and practicals for participants independent accomplishment of world class research and sustainable management of fisheries in respective countries.
In his official welcoming remarks to the 20 students who are on a full scholarship provided by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Professor GE Xianping, dean of Wuxi Fisheries College said the program is part of the colleges drive of internationalizing its education as it cultivates knowledge and skills to different cadres to make positive impact in the growth of the fishery and aquaculture not only in China but world over, hence a diverse origins of participants.
However the dean assured of availing a necessary environment possible for the successful accomplishment of the program, adding the need for students to exchange ideas and learn from each other experience to enrich their knowledge.
The participants while expressing profound gratitude to the Government of the People`s Republic of China for the scholarships, pledged making the most out of the course and stay in China so that the realisation of course's objectives and advancement of fisheries and aquaculture in respective countries
Baird Chilora is a resentative of the students who have come from Malawi [5] Uganda, South Africa and South Sudan [3 each] Guyana [2] while Cameroon, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia have one student representative each.
