Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) will hold its 36th convocation ceremony on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, graduating 8,139 graduates, including 316 distinction holders.
The convocation lecture, titled “Developing Exportable Alternatives for Nigeria’s Economic Recovery,” will be delivered by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, while Nigeria’s Vice-President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON, will chair the occasion.
According to YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, 316 students will be graduating with distinction, 2,381 with upper credit, 3,939 with lower credit, and 1,503 with pass grades.
Also, two eminent Nigerians, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, and Honourable Tajudeen Abass, Ph.D, GCON, will receive the prestigious Fellowship Award of Yaba College of Technology.
Dr. Abdul highlighted the institution’s progress in updating curricula to reflect current industry needs and technological trends, adding that the college has also introduced new courses and modern teaching methods, expanded industry collaborations for practical exposure, and empowered students through various programs.
He said 25 students have been selected for an 18-month technical skills training in China courtesy of the Chief Diana Chen Foundation. He also said YABATECH has been selected to implement the Girls Education Skills Programs (GESP) initiative, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UNICEF.
As part of the success story, the institution has also received a grant from the French Embassy for a plastic waste management project worth over N500 million.
Dr. Abdul noted significant investments in renovating academic buildings, enhancing libraries and laboratory equipment, and launching a comprehensive digital transformation initiative to improve e-learning, also prioritizing the student welfare by implementing support services such as expanded health facilities, improved counseling services, and extracurricular activities.
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Convocation Highlights
The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will deliver this year Convocation Lecture slated for Tuesday, November 19, 2024 while His Excellency, the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON will chair the occasion. Mr. Sanwo-Olu, who will speak on Developing Exportable Alternatives for Nigeria’s Economic Recovery will bring his experience as the Governor of the most prosperous state in Nigeria to bear on topic.
He added that valuable ideas generated from the lecture will serve as the contributions of the premier institution (YABATECH) to the economic diversification and recovery of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Convocation Highlights
Dr Ibraheem said: “This year, we are proud to announce that a total of 8,139 students will be graduating from Yaba College of Technology., according to him, the graduates have demonstrated diligence and commitment to their studies, and we celebrate their success.
He said: “316 students are graduating with distinction; 2,381 students have earned upper credit division; 3,939 are graduating with lower credit; while 1,503 students will be receiving their diplomas with a pass grade.
“Additionally, during this 36th Convocation Ceremony, we are privileged to honor two distinguished Nigerians with the prestigious fellowship award of Yaba College of Technology. These individuals have not only made remarkable contributions to Nigeria but have also inspired generations with their leadership and vision. Our fellowship awardees are: ▪ Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON ▪ His Excellency, Honourable Tajudeen Abass, Ph.D, GCON.
Their achievements in public service reflect the values of dedication, integrity, and excellence that we seek to instill in our students. We are proud to have them as part of the Yaba College of Technology family.”
Achievements
Dr Ibraheem stated that over the last year, the institution has advanced academic programs by updating curricula to reflect current industry needs and technological trends, adding that new courses and modern teaching methods have been introduced; equipping the students with the required skills to thrive in today’s evolving job market. “Our collaboration with industries has expanded, offering students practical exposure through internships and joint projects, particularly in areas such as engineering, IT, and applied sciences. It is my delight to inform you that our ERECT Agenda has yielded some positive results, including the empowerment of 25 students of the College by the Chief Diana Chen Foundation for an 18- month technical skills training in China. The team includes 20 male students and five female students from different engineering departments. This reflects a significant investment in both individual and institutional growth.
“In addition, the United Kingdom government has chosen Yaba College of Technology to promote and implement Girls Education Skills Programs (GESP). YABATECH was selected through a rigorous process by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“The GESP initiative, funded by FCDO and managed by UNICEF Nigeria in collaboration with leading businesses, aims to empower adolescent girls and young women by enhancing their access to valuable skills and economic opportunities. In the same vein, the French Embassy in Nigeria chose Yabatech as the only Polytechnic among five tertiary institutions in Nigeria for a grant on plastic waste management project worth over N500million.
Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement
The Rector said significant investment has gone into improving the campus facilities, creating an enabling environment for both teaching and learning. “We have completed renovations on key academic buildings, lecture halls, and laboratories, equipping them with modern amenities and technologies. We have also enhanced our libraries and provided new state-of-the-art laboratory equipment across several departments, further supporting a robust and dynamic learning environment.”
Digital Transformation and E-Learning
“Furthermore, recognizing the importance of digital literacy and remote learning, we launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative. This has improved our e-learning platforms, making virtual learning more accessible and enabling our students to interact effectively online through our Open, Distance, Flexible and e-Learning (ODFEL) program. Academic programmes available through ODFEL include National Diploma (ND) in Accountancy, Business Administration, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Public Administration, Science Laboratory Technology.
“Others are: Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy, Business Administration, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Public Administration, Science Laboratory Technology. In addition, our Skills Development Center offers specialized training designed to equip individuals within the informal sector for globally recognized Certifications. By fostering high-demand technical and vocational skills, the center enhances employability and creates pathways for informal workers to transition into the formal workforce, thereby supporting Nigeria’s broader economic growth and development goals.
Students’ Welfare
On Student welfare and engagement initiatives, Dr Ibraheem said the institution has implemented new support services to enhance the student experience. According to him, these include expanded health facilities, improved counseling services, and new personal and academic development programs. “We have also promoted extracurricular involvement, with various student clubs, sports programs, and arts activities. These provide a well-rounded experience, encouraging personal growth alongside academic achievement.
Staff Development and Recognition
The Rector stressed that the college remained committed to the professional growth of the staff, providing numerous training programs, workshops, and conferences for faculty and administrative staff, aligning their skills with international best practices.
“Furthermore, we launched a recognition program to honor the hard work and dedication of our staff, encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation within our institution,” Dr Ibraheem stated.