…As Yabatech Graduates 7,717
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to 70:30 admission ratio in favour of Science and technology programmes in Polytechnics across the nation.
According to him, the government also encourage regular curriculum reviews to infuse indigenous technology through local content fostering harmonious relationships with host communities.
He stated this during the 35th convocation ceremony of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Thursday.
The President represented by the Director of Legal Service, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ezonebi Azobor said the government is aware of the pivotal role of science and technology education in national growth and as a primary driver the Polytechnic sub sector occupies a central position in the quest for technological development.
He however said government is aware of the various challenges confronting education sector which includes accessibility; equity; funding; teachers capacity building; institutional management; technical and vocational education is being actively addressed.

“A comprehensive 4-Year strategic plan is underway, serving as a roadmap for the sector’s development poised to shape the future of education in our country.
“However, it is imperative to emphasise that addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts beyond the government. I call upon all stakeholders, particularly industry leaders to complement government initiatives through contributions to research, structural development, scholarships for underprivileged students, capacity building and graduate employment.
To him, this partnership will significantly augment the accomplishments facilitated by agencies like TETFund, PTDF and International Development Partners.
Congratulating the graduating students, President Tinubu challenged Yabatech to respond creatively to contemporary challenges and foster innovation, fabricating tools for agricultural and manufacturing industries.
To the graduating students, he urged them to utilize the knowledge gained from this institution to serve humanity and also continue to be exemplary citizen.

The Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul in his speech said the College is 76 years old, it therefore became obvious that the responsibility it bear and to grapple with in an old institution, is a national heritage that prides itself as the first and still the best.
“This realization of the enormity of our responsibilities birthed a five-year Strategic plan of “ERECT”. The major focus of this plan and by implication the focal point of this administration will hinge as drivers on empowering the entire workforce in the College, repackaging all academic and skills development programs of the College, and exploring the creation of the industry advisory committee (IAC) and setting up STBI Hubs.
Others according to him are consolidating and expanding all sources of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the College, Tapping into National and International Grants and Endowments for funding vital infrastructure.
“Yaba College of Technology maintain and sustain her ranking as the best Polytechnic in the country for the 6th consecutive time. We envisioned, that by the end of the five-year tenure of this administration, the College should be first in the ranking of all Tertiary institutions in the country.
“Therefore, uniting all stakeholders and positioning the College among her peers globally as a role model tertiary institution is another key agenda.
“It is also very important and germane to produce knowledgeable, skilled, employable, entrepreneurial self-reliant and innovative graduates.”
He continued: “My transformation targets are on global branding, Effective Education Organization Management System (EOMS), commitment to effective quality management practices, a widened participation of stakeholders, a personalized learning and effective response to all learners, including those with special educational needs and most of all to make Yaba College of Technology the “First in Africa”.”
A total of 7,717 graduates received award of Diplomas and Certificate at the ceremony with conferment of Fellowships on three eminent Nigerians, Lady Doja Otedola, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum.
BV.