President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to a university.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a working visit to the college in Yaba, Lagos.
After inspecting and commissioning several projects at the institution, Dr. Alausa shared the long-awaited news in an interactive session with the management, staff, and students.
“The Rector mentioned earlier that the staff, students, and management of this college have been praying and fasting for it to be converted into a university. Somehow, you have ambushed me with this question, but I must let you know that when I discussed the issue with President Bola Tinubu, he did not hesitate in giving his approval. I am now waiting for the official memo and other necessary protocols from the appropriate quarters,” Alausa stated.
The Minister emphasized YABATECH’s legacy and academic strength, noting that with over 200 doctorate degree holders among its staff, the institution is more than ready to transition into a university.
“All credit goes to President Tinubu, who prioritizes education and is committed to providing the best opportunities for the youth, who are the future leaders of this country,” he added.
Commitment to Technical Education and Economic Growth
Dr. Alausa commended the college’s maintenance culture, which has kept its facilities in good condition despite their age.
“I commend your pursuit of excellence. We need innovation and investment in technology for national development, and I assure you that the federal government will support you,” he affirmed.
He also highlighted that one of the key focuses of the Tinubu administration is technical and vocational education, with an added emphasis on entrepreneurship to curb the Japa Syndrome—a term used to describe the mass migration of Nigerians abroad in search of better opportunities.
“We are taking Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding, and other technological advancements seriously. If our youths become proficient in these areas, they can work for global firms while residing in Nigeria and earning foreign exchange. This will help reduce the trend where people leave the country for menial jobs abroad,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa acknowledged that for over three decades, Nigeria shifted its focus away from technical and vocational education (TVET) and instead prioritized producing graduates who primarily sought white-collar jobs. However, he assured that this focus has now changed.
“Countries in Europe and other parts of the world have successfully incorporated TVET as a core part of their education systems, and that is the direction we are heading. We need an education system that supports manufacturing, technological innovations, and entrepreneurship, which will, in turn, lead to a stronger private sector and overall national development,” he explained.
YABATECH’s Readiness for University Status
Earlier in the event, Rector Dr. Ibrahim Abdul reaffirmed that with over 200 PhD holders, YABATECH is fully prepared to become a university.
“While we pray for this transition, we don’t want to become just another university. We aim to be a university of Technical and Vocational Education, driving innovation, problem-solving, and societal advancement. We have the manpower, and we only need the government’s support to achieve this vision,” Dr. Abdul stated.
He also highlighted the college’s achievements and assured that the management remains committed to raising academic and institutional standards.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit and urged him to support their demands to facilitate the institution’s transition.
Next Steps: Legislative Approval Awaited
A bill formalizing the upgrade of YABATECH to university status, along with its new official name, is expected to be sent to the National Assembly for legislative passage and presidential assent.
This historic upgrade marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s educational system, reinforcing the importance of technical and vocational education for the country’s economic and technological growth.
