…..As Yabatech Graduates 8,654 At 37th convocation
President, Bola Tinubu has called on the private sector to collaborate with Federal Government in nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders in enhancing the country’s development as well as its digital growth.
The President represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad stated this at the 37th convocation of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Thursday.
He added that the collaboration is important as his administration places a premium on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM), alongside technical and vocational education which according to him is the heart of the nation’s national development and the renewed hope agenda of the President.
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The President stated further that these areas form the foundation upon which the nation can equip the young generation with skills and competencies required to thrive in the 21st-century economy”.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) continues to align education with employability by strengthening the link between learning, life skills, vocational training and sustainable livelihoods.
He added, “Through the Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEIs), over 960,000 trainees have been enrolled nationwide across more than 25 specialised trades, ensuring that young Nigerians acquire practical, market-ready skills.
“Also, the Ministry is driving large-scale digital capacity-building programmes to equip graduates for success in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. These initiatives include intensive digital literacy boot camps in coding, data analytics, cybersecurity and digital marketing.”
Speaking on access to quality education, he said no Nigerian should be denied access to quality education and this is what brought about the introduction of The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a transformative, interest-free loan initiative.
“As of October 2025, NELFUND has disbursed over N50 billion to approximately 624,535 students across 303 tertiary institutions.
“Also to further support innovation and youth entrepreneurship, we have also introduced the Students’ Venture Grant, designed to empower students with viable and creative business ideas,” he disclodsed.
Congratulating the graduating class, he said today marks not just the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. “You are entering the world of work at a defining moment in our nation’s history; a time of renewal and economic transformation and despite global economic headwinds, Nigeria’s economy is witnessing structural reforms, renewed investor confidence, promising signs of growth, trade expansion and foreign exchange stability.”
He further urged the graduating class to seize the moment with courage, creativity and conviction. “Take your place as builders of a new Nigeria; a nation where diligence, innovation and integrity are the true measures of success.
“I also charge you to make full use of the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the past years in Engineering, Enterprise development, Arts, Design, Innovation, Management and Creative thinking. These have prepared you not only to be employable but to be job creators, problem solvers and visionary leaders,” he said.
L-R: The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad and the Chairman, Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Prof Funso Afolabi at the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the College.
The Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul in his address appreciated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting Yabatech the life-changing approval of transformation to a University.
This he said is the single greatest recognition of institution’s 78 years of excellence and the strongest affirmation that Yabatech is ready to power Nigeria’s next phase of innovation-driven growth.
“It is our resolve to make our Convocation Ceremony an annual event as a mark of seamless progress in the system. This year we introduce the practice of collection of certificates on graduation day as a mark of improved efficiency in the administration of the institution.”
Dr. Abdul said 8,654 brilliant young men and women were being conferred National Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas, and Certificates, adding that a total of 291 students finished with distinction, 2,434 with upper credit, 4,403 with lower credit and 1,526 finished with the pass grade.
He said the graduates are leaving the institution not as job-seekers but as job-creators, equipped with both academic knowledge and compulsory vocational skills. “That is the YABATECH promise, and we have delivered it.”
Speaking on Transformative Achievements of the institution, he mentioned the Presidential approval for conversion to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Plastogas, a groundbreaking research that converts waste plastic into usable gas, one of the very few such projects globally, supported by the French Embassy; Full accreditation of seven new industry-relevant programmes including Marine Engineering, Mechatronics, Railway Engineering Technology and Agribusiness Management.
“Our first-ever cohort of 25 students completed a fully sponsored 18- month exchange programme in China with GAC Motors and returned with distinction and dual certification; Launch of the YABATECH Digital Training Academy (YDTA), Workplace Learning Centre at Computer Village, ICT Skills Hub, and full integration of compulsory skill acquisition into every curriculum amongst others.”
The Chairman Governing Council, Professor Funso Isolaowa Afolabi in his remarks stated that the day is not only a celebration of academic success, but also a reflection of how far God has brought up Yabatech into a higher glory.
He further declared the eleven-point agenda of the governing council as the institution continues in its transformative journey which includes; Raising a new generation of innovators and job creators; Strengthening technical and vocational training, Expanding digital and smart learning systems, Advancing research and innovation centres in area of AI and Robotics and Spatial Centred Digitalisation for development.
Others he said are Deepening partnerships with government and industry, Establishing strong entrepreneurship hubs, Prioritizing staff motivation and excellence, Upholding discipline, merit and integrity; Promoting gender inclusion and Youth Empowerment, Sustaining Yabatech’s legacy as Nigeria’s model of Practical education and Directing more sustainable promotion of able-philanthropists and Stakeholders.
He congratulated the graduates urging them to be the pride of the institution as their success today is the seed of tomorrow. “Step into the world as solution providers and ambassadors par excellence.”
Three Distinguished Nigerians were conferred with the Fellowship of Yaba College of Technology. They include Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate Federal Republic of Nigeria; Senator, Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, Chairman, Appropriations Committee and Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu , CEO and Chairman BUA Group.
Ani Faith Ada of Department of Office and Technology Management emerged overall best graduating student at the ceremony.
BV.
