LG and UNILAG’s Air Conditioning Academy

The technological revolution of the past 150 years has given people around the world easy access to everything from smartphones to life-saving medical devices. While we may not yet be aware of all the implications of our hyper-connected society, it is abundantly clear that the rapid growth in the capability and availability of smart technology […]

The technological revolution of the past 150 years has given people around the world easy access to everything from smartphones to life-saving medical devices. While we may not yet be aware of all the implications of our hyper-connected society, it is abundantly clear that the rapid growth in the capability and availability of smart technology is a net positive for everyone. However, despite the progress that has accompanied bringing futuristic technology to so many homes, the technological revolution has had a negative impact on the environment and emerging markets still lag far behind their developed peers.
The rise of mobile technology means more consumers are spending more time with more devices and power consumption has risen around the globe, particularly in emerging markets. The increased demand for smartphones has also fueled exploitative labor practices and environmentally hazardous strip mining for coltan and other minerals in underdeveloped parts of central Africa. Unfortunately, the costs associated with the massive steps forward in technological development are being borne by those living in emerging markets.
This informed LG decisions to lead the way with its highly energy efficient products and CSR activities that are helping to redefine the company as a both a green innovator and a humanitarian crusader.
In line with its drive to immensely contribute to raising the standard of education in Nigeria, LG Electronics recently opened a Commercial Air Conditioning Academy as well as awarding scholarships to 10 meritorious students of the faculty of Engineering of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The facility aimed at enabling students gain the most up-to-date skills and training in CAC (Commercial Air Conditioning), an evolving aspect of air conditioning, the training Academy is positioned to provide Engineering students of the University of Lagos with necessary skills and training in Commercial Air Conditioning.
The scholarship scheme which is in its third year is conducted annually by LG as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities with the sole aim of empowering young people as well as developing the educational sector, ensuring that youths who are the future leaders are adequately empowered with the required funds and assistance to enable them achieve their dreams and aspirations.
The Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Seonghak Kim said: “As a socially responsible and purpose driven organization, LG Electronics believes that in order to get the best out of students, the right learning environment ought to be created, which is what informed the establishment of the LG Commercial Air Conditioning Academy in the University of Lagos. Indeed, we believe this will go a long way to boost the intellectual and technical capabilities of the students.
“This scholarship is being awarded to 10 students of 400 and 500 levels from the Faculty of Engineering who emerged as best students after a careful selection by both the university authority and LG Electronics based on their Grade Points of 4.0 to 5.0, which made them stand out from their colleagues.”
The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Rahamon Bello said: “On behalf of the University of Lagos, we are highly appreciative of this gesture from the people at LG Electronics- for counting us worthy to be the site for this iconic academy. All over the world there is a great push for more of our young people to be involved in engineering and it is good to see a company of this magnitude investing in the development of Nigerian Youths, giving them the enabling platform to live their dreams”.
One of the facilitator at the UNILAG faculty of Engineering, Dr. Ola Kamuyi said two sessions between August and September had practical sessions on Air Conditioning with about 250 students trained.