President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the prestigious Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a
full-fledged university. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during an official
visit to the Lagos-based institution on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Dr. Alausa revealed that the college had long been due for an upgrade, citing its rich academic heritage, extensive
infrastructure, and the presence of over 200 doctorate-holding academic staff as evidence of its readiness.
He emphasized that the President’s approval reflects a broader national strategy to revamp the technical and vocational education landscape in Nigeria.
During his tour of the college’s facilities, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of ongoing projects and
the school’s commitment to maintenance and innovation. He noted that institutions like YABATECH are critical to
Nigeria’s industrial growth and must receive the support needed to meet global education standards.
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The Rector of the college, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, also spoke during the visit, affirming that the institution is not just aiming
to become another university, but a specialized university of Technical and Vocational Education. He stated that
YABATECH is committed to providing solutions to societal challenges through innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education is part of a deliberate effort to stem
the tide of youth emigration—popularly referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.” According to Alausa, equipping young
Nigerians with globally relevant tech and vocational skills, such as robotics, coding, and AI, can empower them to
work remotely for global firms while remaining in Nigeria.
To formalize the conversion, a bill detailing the change of status and the new university name will be sent to the
National Assembly for legislative processing and presidential assent. Once passed, YABATECH is set to join the ranks
of federal universities, offering degree programs that blend practical training with academic excellence.
