President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Dr. Alausa disclosed this development during a working visit to the institution on Friday, February 14, 2025, where he met with the management, staff, and students.
Speaking at the event, the minister revealed that when he discussed the matter with President Tinubu, the approval was immediate
.“The rector mentioned that the staff and students have been praying and fasting for this conversion. I must let you know that when I raised the issue with President Tinubu, he did not hesitate to approve it. We are only awaiting the official memo and necessary protocols,” he said.
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Alausa praised YABATECH’s legacy, highlighting its over 200 PhD holders and strong academic foundation as evidence that the institution is more than ready for university status.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to technical and vocational education, linking it to efforts to reduce youth migration (Japa Syndrome).
“We are integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and entrepreneurship into our education system. Our goal is to enable Nigerian youths to work remotely for global firms while staying in Nigeria, earning foreign exchange, and reducing the need for migration,” Alausa stated.
He acknowledged that for decades, technical and vocational education had been neglected, but the current administration is refocusing on it to drive manufacturing, technological advancements, and private-sector growth.
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The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, welcomed the decision, stating that the institution aimed to become a specialized university of technical and vocational education, focusing on innovation and problem-solving.
“We don’t want to be just another university. We want to drive innovation, solve societal challenges, and contribute to Nigeria’s advancement. With our expertise, we are ready,” Abdul said.
The bill formalizing YABATECH’s new status and official university name will be sent to the National Assembly for passage and presidential assent.
With this move, YABATECH is set to become a major player in Nigeria’s push for technological and vocational excellence.
