Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and Choice International Group (CIG) have reaffirmed their ongoing partnership, with plans underway to further strengthen and expand their collaboration.
This development follows the successful sponsorship of 25 Yabatech engineering students by CIG for a study programme in China—an initiative that has not only enhanced student learning but also attracted an additional $3 million in scholarship funding.
The update was shared during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and Group Executive Officer of CIG, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the China-Africa Business Council, Chief Diana Ajoke Chen, to the College’s Council Chamber.
According to Yabatech management, the collaboration is centered on implementing nine key projects under the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), specifically focusing on capacity building and humanistic exchange. These initiatives aim to develop critical talent across Africa, upgrade educational infrastructure, and promote China-Africa cooperation in vocational education through a flagship programme titled “Future of Africa.”
The ongoing partnership includes Hangzhou Vocational and Technical College (HVTC), Yabatech, Choice International Investment Company Ltd., and CIG Motors Company Ltd., under the “Silk Road College” initiative. This program serves as a hub for international educational exchanges, vocational and faculty training, academic research, and cultural understanding between China and Nigeria.
The 25 participating students, enrolled in a one-and-a-half-year course at HVTC, have distinguished themselves both academically and in extracurricular engagements. One student earned a bronze medal at the China International College Students Innovation Competition and is set to participate in another global event through a collaborative effort between HVTC, Yabatech, and Chinese institutions.
Beyond the initial scholarship provided by the Chief Diana Foundation, five students were awarded an additional $2 million in academic grants, while another secured a $1 million award through competitive excellence. Notably, the student leading the group was named a CIG Motors ambassador in recognition of her exemplary leadership.
The academic performance of the group has been remarkable, with 20 students achieving GPAs between 4.5 and 4.3, and the remainder maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7. They have also achieved fluency in the Chinese language and developed skills in Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
Speaking at the event, Chief Diana Chen announced that CIG will begin hiring 200 Yabatech graduates annually, as part of efforts to deepen the company’s relationship with the institution. She revealed that since the partnership began in 2022, nearly 96 students have interned with CIG, with a retention rate of 30%.
She also proposed the immediate sponsorship of another 30 students for the exchange programme once the current cohort returns from China in November.
In an inspiring moment during the visit, two students from the School of Art, Design, and Printing who spontaneously illustrated life sketches during the meeting were offered automatic employment for their creativity.
Yabatech Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed appreciation and advocated for expanding the collaboration to include the establishment of industry-grade laboratories within the college. He emphasized the importance of aligning academic facilities with industry standards to produce work-ready graduates and close the gap between academic learning and industrial demands.
He added that the College is prepared to provide space, labs, and workshops not only for student training but also for use as income-generating business centers that can offer training to external learners.
