President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university. This move is seen as a significant step towards elevating technical education in Nigeria and aligning it with global standards.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, during a visit to the YABATECH campus in Lagos. He revealed that the president’s approval follows years of lobbying by the institution’s management, alumni, and stakeholders for YABATECH to transition from a polytechnic to a university, thereby expanding its academic offerings and research capabilities.
“President Tinubu recognizes the pivotal role that Yaba College of Technology has played in the development of technical education in Nigeria. This elevation to university status is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but a commitment to future excellence in education and innovation,” Dr. Alausa stated.
YABATECH, known for its strong programs in technology, engineering, and applied sciences, will now have the autonomy to award degrees, conduct advanced research, and expand its postgraduate education. The transition is expected to commence in the new academic session, with plans for a phased implementation to ensure a smooth transition for current students and staff.
The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for this historic decision. “This approval is a testament to our relentless pursuit of academic excellence and innovation. We are committed to maintaining our legacy while embracing new opportunities that come with being a university,” Dr. Abdul remarked.
The new university is expected to retain its focus on practical, industry-relevant education but will expand its curriculum to include more comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This transformation aligns with the government’s broader educational policy aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical skills, preparing students for immediate employment or entrepreneurship.
However, the exact name of the new university, the administrative and structural changes, and the specifics of the transition process are yet to be detailed. A committee is expected to be set up to oversee this transition, involving key stakeholders from YABATECH, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Ministry of Education.
Stakeholders, including the alumni association, have expressed optimism about the future, with many hoping that this elevation will lead to similar upgrades for other polytechnics across the nation. There are also calls for increased funding and infrastructure development to match the new university’s expanded scope.
This historic conversion of YABATECH to a university under President Tinubu’s administration marks a new era for technical education in Nigeria, promising to foster innovation, research, and a more skilled workforce for the country’s development.
