Foundation

OAIKHINAN CERAMICS FOUNDATION

Epina Technologies Limited runs Oaikhinan Ceramics Foundation (OCF), a dynamic and flexible nonpartisan, not-for-profit, organization that plays the primary role in creating a unique bond between the ceramic industry sector and the people of Nigeria.

Founded by Eguakhide Patrick OAIKHINAN, a Professor of Ceramic Engineering and Mrs. Janet Igbaekeme OAIKHINAN, an Agricultural Scientist in 2019 to attract, inspire, and help introduce young people to ceramic education and manufacturing. The OCF is wholly owned by Epina Technologies Limited, a company incorporated on September 28th, 1998, under Nigeria Companies and Allied Matters Decree of 1990, with registration number RC , as a professionally managed technical consultancy company involved in different activities in the fields of ceramics and solid minerals processing. Since its inception, the OCF has launched several programmes to achieve its mission, including ceramics capacity building, ceramic cluster communities’ development, and ceramic awareness campaign network.

Vision Statement

The OCF will be the national leader in Africa in igniting young people interest in ceramic careers to help solve the continent’s economic challenges.

Mission Statement

The OCF will help Africa attract and train the highest quality talent available to work with industry and systems that utilize ceramic materials and products.

Our Value Statement

We will commit to providing crucial resources, programmes, and outreach activities that introduce ceramic science and technology to young people and educators in Nigeria.

We will collaborate with respect and purpose in all our activities.

We will take a systematic, evidence-based approach in developing and implementing, well-vetted theories of change.

We will value and reward scientific, industrial, artistic, and educational achievement.

We will strive to achieve enduring impact on a sufficient scale to make a difference on important ceramic development issues; with the long view of staying on course and persisting.

We will operate in ways that are open, responsible, and ethical.

We will commit to serve donors, institutions, grant recipients, and programme participants with fairness, integrity, and openness in all that we do.

OUR PROGRAMMES

Our programmes are designed to attract, inspire, and support the next generation of ceramic professionals in Africa, particularly Nigeria.

(a). Ceramics Competition

The OCF organizes a national competition that encourages and empowers young people in Nigeria to express their desire for positive change through ceramics designs and productions. Applicants are invited to use solid mineral resources (e.g. clays, kaolin, feldspar and quartz or silica) in their areas to produce any type of ceramic product. Hosting of the competition is based on the availability of funds and determined by the OCF’s Board of Trustees.

(b). Ceramics Outreach Events

The OCF organizes a ceramic exhibition to increase awareness about the importance of ceramics and to encourage young people, and others to pursue careers in ceramic science and engineering. The event takes place every two years.

(c). International Ceramics Trade Fair

The OCF organizes an international ceramics trade fair to bring together students, educators and industry to strengthen understanding of ceramic education and manufacturing (CEM).

(d). Industry Tours

The OCF organizes a ceramic industry tour for people each year to give them an inside look at the technology and careers that are available in the ceramic industry sector.