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The Federal Government has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Nigeria’s oldest tertiary institution, into a full-fledged university.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during a working visit to the Lagos-based institution on Friday. Addressing the college’s management, staff, and students, Alausa revealed that President Bola Tinubu swiftly approved the upgrade after discussions on the matter.
“The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management have been praying and fasting for YABATECH to become a university. Somehow, you have ambushed me, but I must let you know that when I discussed the issue with President Tinubu, he did not waste time in approving,” Alausa stated.
He assured the institution that the necessary documentation and protocols were underway. According to the minister, YABATECH, with over 200 doctorate degree holders among its staff, is more than ready to transition into a university.
“This school is a legacy, and the credit for this approval goes to President Tinubu, who is passionate about education and the future of our youth,” he added.
Alausa emphasized that the Tinubu administration was prioritizing technical and vocational education, integrating entrepreneurship to reduce the growing trend of Nigerian youths seeking opportunities abroad, popularly known as the “Japa Syndrome.”
“We are not taking artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and other emerging technologies lightly. If our youths are well-trained in these areas, they can work for international firms from Nigeria and earn foreign exchange, rather than traveling abroad for menial jobs,” he noted.
He acknowledged that Nigeria had, for decades, neglected technical and vocational education in favor of producing graduates seeking white-collar jobs, a trend the current government seeks to reverse.
“In developed countries, technical and vocational education is a core part of their system. We need education that supports manufacturing, technology, and private sector growth, which will drive national development,” Alausa said.
YABATECH’s Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, reiterated the institution’s readiness for university status, stressing that its vision is to become a center of excellence in technical and vocational education.
“We don’t just want to be another university; we want to be a university that drives innovation, solves societal challenges, and contributes to Nigeria’s advancement,” Abdul declared.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, expressed appreciation for the minister’s visit and urged the government’s continued support.
The bill formalizing YABATECH’s new status and name is expected to be sent to the National Assembly for legislative approval and presidential assent.
