On Friday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the transformation of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.
Alausa shared the news during his visit to the college, addressing staff, students, and management. “The rector mentioned earlier that the college community has been praying for this conversion, and I must say, when I discussed it with President Tinubu, he quickly approved it. I’m now awaiting the official memo and necessary protocols,” he said.
He emphasized that YABATECH, with over 200 doctorate holders, is fully prepared for university status. Alausa credited the president for his commitment to education and the future of Nigeria’s youth.
Alausa also commended the college’s efforts to maintain its facilities and praised the leadership’s commitment to excellence. “We need innovation and investment in technology for progress, and the federal government will support you,” he stated.
He highlighted the administration’s focus on technical and vocational education, which aims to address the “Japa Syndrome” — the migration of youths seeking menial jobs abroad. “We are prioritizing artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and similar skills so that our youth can work globally and earn foreign currency, thus reducing the need to emigrate for low-paying jobs,” he explained.
For over three decades, Nigeria’s focus shifted from technical education to white-collar job preparation, but the government is now re-aligning toward practical, hands-on education that drives innovation and economic growth.
Earlier, YABATECH rector Dr. Ibrahim Abdul emphasized the institution’s readiness for university status. “We want to be a leading university in technical and vocational education, one that fosters innovation and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s advancement,” he said. Abdul listed various achievements under his leadership and pledged to continue improving the institution.
Prof. Funso Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council, thanked the minister for the visit and sought support for the institution’s needs.
The bill to formalize the change in status and the new name for YABATECH will soon be sent to the National Assembly for approval and presidential assent.
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