Graduates of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, will now receive their certificates on the day of convocation.
Rector of the institution, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, made this known on Friday at a press conference held at the academic board room ahead of the 37th convocation ceremonies of the college.
Abdul explained that once graduating students complete their clearance, they will be issued scrolls containing their certificates on the day of convocation.
Abdul said, “Our students will get their certificates on that day of convocation. We will do a symbolic presentation at the grad stand while other students who get themselves cleared will collect their certificates from their school.
“Gone are the days when the scroll is always empty. Our students will now go with their scroll with their certificates there.”
He announced that a total of 8,654 students will be awarded the institution’s diplomas at the convocation scheduled for November 20, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as Special Guest of Honour.
A total of 291 students are graduating with Distinction, 2,434 earned Upper Credit, 4,403 finished with Lower Credit, while 1,526 will receive their diplomas with a Pass grade.
Ani Faith of the Department of Office Technology Management, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.9 out of 4.0, was announced as the best graduating student.
Among other pre-convocation activities, Senate Minority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, is billed to deliver the convocation lecture with the theme: “Entrepreneurship Development in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Job Creation and Economic Growth.” The occasion is to be chaired by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele.
Abdul said, “The ideas generated from this lecture will represent Yaba College of Technology’s contributions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification and digital transformation.”
The Rector further disclosed that, at the convocation, Fellowship Awards of Yaba College of Technology will be bestowed on Senator Bamidele, Senator Solomon Olamilekan and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul-Samad Rabiu.
“These distinguished Nigerians have made exceptional contributions to educational, industry governance and society at large. Their achievements in public service reflect the value, dedication, integrity and excellence we seek to instill in our students. We are proud to welcome them into the Yaba College of Technology family.
“These are three eminent Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s digital and economic landscape. These individuals embody leadership, innovation and service that are capable of inspiring our students to pursue excellence in technology and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Speaking on the approval by President Bola Tinubu for YABATECH to be upgraded to a university, the Rector said while the process had begun, no dateline can be given regarding the final implementation of the upgrade.
Abdul said, “We have done what is expected of us at this end; we went to the National Assembly to defend the proposal, and we have all that it takes to become a university.
“At YABATECH, there are over 200 doctorate degree holders among our staff members, and the facilities are also there for us to use. We are praying and fasting that it becomes a reality soon.”
