By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to a bill establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, paving the way for Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to transition to university status.
The development was disclosed by Daniel Amos, a member of the House of Representatives representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on House Services.
Amos also confirmed the President’s assent to a separate bill upgrading the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna.
The two bills, sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, are aimed at expanding access to higher education and strengthening technical and vocational training to meet Nigeria’s evolving economic and workforce needs.
YABATECH Set for New Chapter
Established in 1947, YABATECH has built a reputation for training professionals in engineering, environmental studies, management, science, technology, art and other disciplines.
The institution has also maintained a strong emphasis on practical education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
The new legislation is expected to provide a framework for expanding degree programmes, promoting applied research and innovation, and strengthening collaboration between the institution and industry.
Its transition to university status could also create opportunities for broader academic programmes, research partnerships and closer integration of classroom learning with practical skills and technological problem-solving.
However, the timing and scope of the transition will depend on the implementation arrangements required to give effect to the new law.
Rector Welcomes Presidential Assent
The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, described the presidential assent as a significant milestone in the institution’s development.
He said the legislation would enable the institution to build on its existing strengths while expanding its contributions to technological education, research, innovation and skills development.
According to him, the development represents an important step towards fulfilling the institution’s long-standing aspiration for university status.
“YABATECH has, over the decades, demonstrated that technical and vocational education is indispensable to national development,” he said.
“The presidential assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, is a landmark development that brings renewed hope to our institutional aspiration and opens a new chapter in our contribution to Nigeria’s educational and technological advancement.”
Abdul noted that the transition would require sustained attention to quality assurance, infrastructure development, staff capacity building, curriculum review and stakeholder engagement.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their roles in the legislative process.
The Rector also acknowledged the contributions of the institution’s Governing Council, Management, Academic Board, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to its development.
He assured stakeholders that the institution would maintain its commitment to technical and vocational education while preparing to assume the responsibilities associated with university status.
Implications for Technical Education
The development comes amid efforts to expand Nigeria’s skilled workforce, promote economic diversification and strengthen the relationship between education, industry and employment.
Institutions that combine academic instruction with practical training, research and innovation are increasingly important to developing the technical expertise required across various sectors of the economy.
The establishment of the proposed university is expected to provide a platform for YABATECH to broaden its contribution to these national priorities.
The presidential assent marks a formal step towards establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, although the transition will depend on the completion of the necessary implementation processes.
Tags: YABATECH, Bola Tinubu, Tajudeen Abbas, Federal University of Technology Yaba, Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, Technical Education, Higher Education in Nigeria
