The National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has announced a partnership with Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) to host the 2025 Technology Conference in Lagos. The event is scheduled for November 12–14 at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, and will bring together technologists, academics, industry experts, and policymakers from across Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, Yabatech rector, Ibrahim Abdul, described the collaboration as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. He assured that the institution would provide full logistical support and mobilise staff for active participation.
“We are fully committed to the success of the forthcoming NATE conference. Being located here in Lagos, we are ready to give all the support necessary to ensure its success,” Abdul stated.
He added that the partnership was timely, as it would further deepen ties between academia and industry.
NATE’s national general secretary, Kayode Ibidapo, praised Yabatech for its historic role in engineering education, describing the institution as a symbol of skill-based training since its founding in 1948.
According to him, the upcoming conference will serve as a platform for technologists to showcase innovative solutions while encouraging students to embrace professionalism and apply their skills to societal development.
“We want to produce graduates who can stand independently without waiting for white-collar jobs. This collaboration is about building young technologists who can drive local production and contribute to national growth,” Ibidapo said.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s dependence on imports, noting that it weakens local development efforts.
The NATE scribe also revealed that the conference will feature an exhibition of Nigerian-made machines and innovations, including a coconut de-shelling machine, a castor oil extractor, a butter-making machine, and a tiger nut processing machine.
He emphasized that NATE’s mission is to foster knowledge exchange between professionals and academic institutions while inspiring students to apply their training to real-world challenges.
