Federal Government has tasked Nigeria's premier tertiary institution, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos to respond to contemporary challenges by fabricating the needed tools for agricultural and manufacturing industries to boost local production in the country
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman who gave the task on Thursday during the 35th convocation for the 2021/2022 set of graduands of the college on its main campus in Yaba, also the present President Bola Almed Tinubu's administration would soon roll out a comprehensive four-year strategic plan to address various identified challenges facing the education sector in the country
The minister who was speaking on behalf of the president as visitor to the college, explained that the four-year strategic plan would serve as a roadmap for the sector's development
" A crucial step in this direction was the the National stakeholders workshop held on October 19, 2023 organized by the Federal Ministry of Education.The envisioned roadmap is poised to shape the future of education in our nation ", he stated
Mamman who was represented by the Director of Legal Services in the ministry , Mrs Blessing Azobo, emphasized the need for industry leaders to compliment government's initiatives through contributions to research, structural development, scholarships for the underprivileged students, capacity building and graduates employment
The partnership according to him, "will significantly augment the accomplishments facilitated by agencies like TETFund, PTDF and International Development Partners
The Minister commended the establishment of the Industry Advisory Committee by the college saying, it is a testament to bridging the gap between academia and industry
He also urged those conferred with Fellowship Awards of the college including Governor of Borno State, Prof.Babagana Umara Zulum, wife of former late governor of Lagos State, Lady Christine Doja Otedola and former president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Alhaji Hassan Summonu to join hands with government in furthering the development of the institution and leave indelible mark on the Institution and the nation
Rector of the institution , Dr Ibraheem Abdul had earlier revealed his administration's strategic plan of making Yaba College of Technology as number one tertiary institution in Africa from the current ranking as number one polytechnic in Nigeria
The Rector who called for collective support of stakeholders to achieve the onerous task of being a role model for other tertiary institutions in the country, said that the college under his leadership remains committed to producing graduates who are knowledgeable, innovative , skillful and employable
"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. 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."
"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”, he stated
Abdul recalled with pride last six months of his achievement of administration in the Institution including reaccreditation of 26 academic programmes and accreditations for two programmes and other structural administrative changes to ensure a more effective way of running the college and harmonious relationship with host communities
Within the last six (6) months we have been able to achieve the following:Secured reaccreditation for twenty-six (26) programmes Secured approval to commence two (2) new programmes Created a committee to resolve staff grievances Created a committee to improve staff welfare Regular engagements with critical stakeholders (Student Unions, Staff Unions etc.)
"Secured the support of all security operatives around the Campus
Secured the support and cooperation of the host-community, Obas and chiefs Reinvigorate the ARTI unit by the appointment of a new Director Created a Directorate for Human Resource Development Upgraded the Public Relations Unit to the Directorate of Information, Communication, and Public Relations, Created a center for product development and commercialization Created a centre to cater for Grant acquisition, Management, and Research Support Created a Centre for Linkages, Partnership and International Relations Created an additional centre for Skills Development.Created a new department in the Registry for Management Committee Affairs Boost staff morale by issuing commendation letters to deserving staff .Introduced a new initiative on improving the outlook of staff quarters."
The Rector added that his administration introduced a number of measures to rebrand the college as a global brand, shore up revenue profile of the college and strengthen relationship between the Institution and industries
"Commenced student’s work-study programme Commenced quarterly interactive sessions with student representatives Introduced the creation of an Industry Advisory committee in each School Introduced the creation of Science, Technology, and Business Incubation Hubs in each School"
"Established YABATECH Industry Alliance Group (YIAG) Program Established YABATECH Ventures to incorporate Yabatech farms, homes etc., and boost the IGR Institutionalise a Colloquium for Ph.D. holders in the College"
"Secured continuous collaboration with MTN Nigeria on Youth Empowerment. Successful hosting of Maiden Family Meeting with the StaffOrganised an Orientation programme for the 2023/2024 Academic Session IntakesSuccessful hosting of the 2023/2024 Academic Session Matriculation CeremonyEstablished the Centre for Advanced Studies. Institutionalised the celebration for meritorious service by principal officers at the end of their tenure."
Institutionalised of Recognition of service and exceptional performance by staff of the College Management Approval for intervention in renovation works at staff quarters.Commenced Institutional Branding"
"Rebranded Alumni Relations Department to incorporate relationships with fellows of the CollegeAppointed a Desk officer for NHIS Relocated the Medical Centre to pave the way for reconstruction", he stated
The Rector said that the Institution incorporated skill acquisition into its curriculum, so as to produce graduates who can set up businesses based on skill acquired
"We have incorporated skill acquisition into the curriculum of our students so much that any of our students that graduates from the College can start something on his or her own immediately after graduation instead of looking for jobs or be at the mercy of their parents to survive after school or in the process of looking for jobs. We are currently boosting the research capacity of our staff and the students. We are doing this from two angle."
"The first is to develop their capacity and the second is to provide incentive and motivation. We continually undertake training and recently we awarded some research products with varying prices. In the coming years, we would intensify efforts at making our staff and students compete at national and global levels."
High points of the convocation included presentation of prizes to outstanding graduands and award of Higher National Diploma, National Diploma, Professional Diploma and Certificates to 7,717 including 254 with Distinction, 1,893(Upper Credit) as well as 3,940 in Lower Credit and remaining 1,630 graduands finished with pass grade
Akhator Treasure Isi emerged as overall best graduand in HND from Food Technology Department while Adeniyi Dorcas Titilayo is the overall best ND graduand from Metallurgical Engineering Department
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