Nigeria’s Oldest Polytechnic Transforms into a University, Paving the Way for Innovation, Technical Excellence, and Global Competitiveness
President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for the long-awaited conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed the development on Friday during a visit to the institution’s management. He stated that the president endorsed the upgrade without hesitation, and the necessary official protocols would soon follow.
“I discussed this with President Tinubu, and he approved it immediately. I am now awaiting the official memo to kickstart the necessary processes,”
Alausa said.
Why YABATECH?
Established in 1947, YABATECH is Nigeria’s first college of technology, boasting decades of academic excellence in technical and vocational education. With over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees, the institution has long been regarded as a premier hub for technological advancement in Nigeria.
“This institution is a legacy. With a rich history and a strong academic foundation, it is more than ready for university status,”
the minister affirmed.
A Focus On Innovation And Technology
Alausa praised YABATECH’s commitment to academic excellence, urging the institution to further emphasize innovation and technology in line with global best practices. He stressed the government’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Entrepreneurship as key drivers of national progress.
“We must reshape our country, and YABATECH must once again lead in technology and vocational education,” he said. “Over 70% of our population consists of youths, and we must equip them with technical skills to drive economic growth.”
He also criticized Nigeria’s overreliance on white-collar jobs, stating that vocational and technical skills should be prioritized to reduce youth unemployment.
“We must change this narrative,”
he emphasized.
Adopting Emerging Technologies
The minister highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Coding, urging Yaba College of Technology to integrate these fields into its curriculum.
“If our youths excel in these areas, they can work remotely and earn foreign exchange. There are over 685,000 jobs available in tech and software development globally, and YABATECH must rise to meet this demand,”
he stated.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration And Support
Alausa commended YABATECH’s Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, for initiatives such as the endowment fund projects and urged the creation of a robust alumni endowment office to facilitate contributions.
“Universities abroad thrive on endowments. We must follow this model and ensure that YABATECH receives adequate support to sustain its vision,”
he noted.
He further encouraged partnerships with industries to commercialize research innovations, stressing that linking academia with industry will strengthen the private sector and drive economic growth.
A New Chapter for YABATECH
YABATECH’s Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed excitement about the development, assuring that the institution would maintain its high standards and continue to drive innovation.
“We aim to be a university of technical and vocational education, solving societal challenges and advancing national development,”
he said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, lauded the minister’s visit and called for government support in addressing the institution’s infrastructural needs.
The next step in the conversion process involves the National Assembly, which will review and pass a bill defining the institution’s new status and official name before it receives presidential assent.
With this transition, Yaba College of Technology is set to solidify its legacy as Nigeria’s hub for technical and vocational education, ushering in a new era of academic and technological excellence.
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