The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university. This transformation aligns with the administration’s commitment to enhancing vocational education and reducing youth unemployment.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Friday, February 14, 2025, during a working visit to the institution, where he addressed the management, staff, and students of the college.
Why YABATECH Was Upgraded
Dr. Alausa explained that the decision to upgrade YABATECH was based on its academic capacity, infrastructure, and faculty strength. He revealed that over 200 staff members hold doctorate degrees across various disciplines, making the institution more than ready to transition into a full-fledged university.
**“The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college have been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me, but I must let you know that when I discussed the issue with President Bola Tinubu, he did not waste time in approving. I am just waiting for the memo and other necessary protocols from the appropriate quarters.
“This school is a legacy, and with over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields, it is more than ready and fit to become a university. All the credit about this should go to the president, who loves education and is concerned about giving the best to the youths who are our future leaders,”** Dr. Alausa stated.
The education minister commended YABATECH’s management for maintaining its facilities over the years, noting that despite their age, they remain in good condition due to proper maintenance culture.
Strengthening Vocational and Technical Education
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Tinubu administration is prioritizing technical and vocational education, incorporating entrepreneurship to address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges and reduce the ongoing “Japa” migration trend.
**“For over three decades, Nigeria abandoned technical and vocational education and focused on producing graduates who are always after white-collar jobs, but that focus has now changed.
“We are not taking the issue of artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and others with levity. We know that if our youths are good at those things, they can be in Nigeria and be working for firms in many parts of the world while earning foreign exchange.
“That will help stem this Japa of a thing, where people would travel abroad to do menial jobs,”** he explained.
Other Polytechnics and Colleges Upgraded to Universities
The upgrading of YABATECH to a university is part of a broader federal and state government initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education. In recent years, several polytechnics and colleges of education have been converted to universities to enhance Nigeria’s educational landscape.
While some education stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), view this move as a way to increase university access, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised concerns about the future of polytechnic education, arguing that it could diminish the value of technical and vocational institutions in Nigeria.
What’s Next for YABATECH?
With this new status, YABATECH is expected to undergo structural and academic reforms, including:
- Introduction of new degree programs aligned with industry demands.
- Expansion of research and innovation programs in line with global best practices.
- Collaboration with tech firms and vocational industries to equip students with practical skills.
As Nigeria shifts its educational focus toward technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational excellence, the conversion of YABATECH into a university marks a major milestone in bridging the gap between traditional academics and modern industry demands.