The Rector, Yaba College of Education, Dr. Abdul Ibraheem, has said connecting the town and gown will lead to the much-desired national development and youth empowerment.
He said this while giving a presentation of his one year in office and public lecture held on the campus.
Ibraheem emphasised that Yabatech treasured industry collaboration because it was crucial for aligning academic programs with real-world needs.
He explained that as part of efforts to collaborate with the industry, Yabatech had, “Established a Yabatech Industry Alliance Group to facilitate industry collaborations, established Yabatech ICT Academies to enhance students’ skills to keep up with advancements in technology and obtain skill certifications before graduation. It is also an opportunity for staff to earn additional income
“Collaboration with Skillfort (A telecom partner). 30 students were awarded partial scholarships for eight weeks of telecommunications training through the collaboration. We have secured continuous collaboration with MTN Nigeria on Youth Empowerment.
“Signed an MOU with Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A staff member from the College has enrolled in a PhD program through the collaboration. We have signed an MOU with KOBE Institute of Computing, Japan. The collaboration will expose students and staff to 21st-century skills and many more.”
He added that to enhance infrastructure and resources, they had secured significant funding and strategic partnerships, including “N1.93b in research grants (local and international). In endowment, we have received donations of legacy projects worth N26b. Some of these are:
“A N3.5b building complex at Yaba campus to be named ‘Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre’ in honour of late Chief (Dr) Wahab Folawiyo, by Chief Rasheed Fanimokun, a 150-Acre landed property at Snake Island for a Green Campus Initiative, also by Chief Rasheed Fanimokun, a hostel building at Epe campus donated by Lady Christine Doja Otedola. We owe our progress to the hard work and sacrifices of those who came before us.”
While giving his keynote address, George Okufi, commended the rector for shunning the arrogance of power and office while embracing the challenges of leadership with humility.
He mentioned some of his achievements, “You have succeeded in turning the Yaba Community within and outside the confines of the College to buy into your vision. The Traditional Rulers in this area, are on the same page with you.
“In December 2023, there was a Free Eye Care held in collaboration with AL-Basa, 400 Surgeries and 4,000 check-ups were carried out free.
“I understand the former First Lady of Lagos State, Lady ‘Doja Otedola has donated a Hostel to the College in Epe. The Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Center and 150 hectares of land on Snake Island donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun in April 2024. 25 students of the College have been recently sent to China on an Exchange Programme. The brand name Yabatech is going beyond the shores of Africa- all thanks to Dr Abdul and his formidable team.”
Chairman, Ceremonies Committee, Yaba College of Technology Mrs. Olabisi Adeniji, while giving her speech said, “Today marks another significant milestone and achievement in the history of the first tertiary institution in Nigeria, Yaba College of Technology. Under the able leadership of Dr Ibraheem Abdul, we celebrate the 365-day milestone in the tenure of a visionary leader as Rector.”
