By Peace Udugba
The Ford Foundation has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), pledging continued collaboration to promote youth empowerment, arts education and institutional development.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit to the college’s management by the Foundation’s Programme Manager, Joy Ehino Esebo, and its new Programme Officer, Omar Ndiaye.
Speaking during the visit, Ndiaye described YABATECH as a strategic partner with a strong reputation in arts education and youth development. He noted that the institution was among the first partnerships highlighted during his transition into the Foundation, reflecting its importance to the organisation.
According to him, the visit was aimed at strengthening existing ties, appreciating the college’s leadership and reviewing the impact of previous collaborative projects.
“The partnership with YABATECH was one of the first things emphasised during my handover. We have heard about the tremendous work the institution is doing, particularly in the arts. We believe in long-term partnerships, not one-off projects, and today’s visit is an opportunity to deepen that relationship,” Ndiaye said.
He disclosed that the Ford Foundation is reviewing its global strategy following the appointment of a new president, while maintaining focus on key areas including the prevention of gender-based violence, climate justice, natural resource management, democracy, disability inclusion and the rule of law.
Ndiaye added that although future funding priorities are still being developed, the Foundation remains open to supporting initiatives that align with its strategic goals, including projects in the arts sector.
Programme Manager, Joy Ehino Esebo, reaffirmed the Foundation’s confidence in YABATECH, describing the institution as a valued partner since the collaboration began in 2019.
She explained that the Foundation prioritises sustainable institutional development over short-term interventions, noting that empowering young people through education and the arts remains central to its mission.
“We believe young people deserve opportunities and agency, and the arts remain one of the strongest platforms to achieve that. Our partnership with YABATECH has been impactful, and we remain friends of the institution.
Wherever opportunities arise, we will continue to explore areas of collaboration beyond the arts in pursuit of our shared goal of making Nigeria a better place,” she said.
Earlier, the Curator of the YABATECH Art Museum, Dr. Odun Orimolade, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the museum’s progress since its establishment in 2020. He said the visit provided an opportunity for the Foundation to assess projects implemented through its previous support.
Responding, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its sustained partnership, describing it as vital to the institution’s vision of producing globally competitive graduates.
He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to equipping students with quality education, practical skills and innovation-driven training.
“Our young people are our diamonds. We must continue to polish them by providing opportunities, skills and exposure that will enable them to succeed. That is why partnerships like this are invaluable,” the Rector said.
Dr. Abdul also revealed plans to expand the institution’s creative education by upgrading its arts programmes into a full-fledged College of Arts and Design with stronger international collaborations.
He added that YABATECH is investing in staff development, strengthening its museum, expanding industry partnerships and aligning its academic programmes with global labour market demands.
The Rector noted that the institution would continue to monitor the Ford Foundation’s evolving strategic priorities in order to identify new opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation and educational development.
