The Federal Government has begun considering recommendations from a committee tasked with outlining the modalities for the upgrade of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into the University of Technology and Vocational Studies.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this during the 37th Convocation Ceremony of YABATECH on Thursday. The conversion was approved by the President in February 2025 and announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Speaking at the convocation, Tinubu highlighted that the upgrade, which transforms the institution originally established as Yaba Technical Institute in 1947, is aimed at integrating hands-on technical training with advanced research to foster innovation, economic growth, and national development.
He said, “The committee constituted to work on the modalities to bring about a seamless transition has submitted its report, and the recommendations are currently being considered.” Tinubu emphasized that the government prioritizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, and technical and vocational education as critical foundations for equipping Nigeria’s youth with 21st-century skills.
The President also noted that the Federal Ministry of Education is aligning learning with employability through expanded vocational training and digital skills programs. “Through the Vocational Enterprise Institutes, over 960,000 trainees have been enrolled nationwide across more than 25 specialised trades, ensuring that young Nigerians acquire practical, market-ready skills,” he said.
He added that large-scale digital capacity-building initiatives, including coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing bootcamps, e-learning platforms, structured internships, and innovation hubs, are being implemented to prepare graduates for Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. Tinubu urged graduates to “take their place as builders of a new Nigeria” and called on industry leaders to partner with government in supporting research, innovation, and enterprise development.
Speaking at the event, Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the transition as a “historic milestone” and a strong affirmation of the institution’s 78-year legacy as Nigeria’s premier technical and vocational institution. He expressed optimism that the upgrade would unlock new opportunities for research, skills development, and national economic growth, praising President Tinubu for granting what he called a “life-changing approval.”
Abdul also commended the Ministers of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, for their support and vision in advancing technical and vocational education. He announced that convocation ceremonies would now be held annually, with graduates receiving their certificates on the same day to enhance administrative efficiency.
A total of 8,654 students received National Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas, and Certificates for the 2023/2024 academic session, including 291 Distinctions, 2,434 Upper Credits, 4,403 Lower Credits, and 1,526 Passes.
Addressing the graduands, Abdul encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation. “You are leaving here not as job-seekers but as job-creators. That is the YABATECH promise, and we have delivered it,” he concluded.
