By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has organised ‘A Day with Industry Partners’ to foster collaboration between academia and industries, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Speaking at the event on Friday in Lagos, Yabatech Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the initiative aimed to create an enabling environment for industry partners and academia to interact and brainstorm.
Abdul stated that these collaborations would drive innovation, provide internships, and support enterprise development, ensuring students gain practical experience beyond the classroom.
He highlighted that Yabatech has several centres where students engage in tasks beyond academics, including the Centre for Linkages, Partnership and International Relations.
“Our partnerships extend beyond this college, allowing us to collaborate with development and international partners, exposing students to opportunities that enhance their employability.
“We are committed to strengthening academia-industry linkages, fostering a symbiotic relationship where knowledge and expertise are exchanged through collaboration,” Abdul said.
He emphasised the importance of industry awareness, stating that stakeholders share the responsibility of building a globally competitive workforce.
“Global standards in competence, creativity, and innovation are essential. Nigeria deserves the best, and it is our collective duty to deliver this,” he said.
Abdul also underscored the need for research collaborations, noting that Yabatech has over 1,000 qualified staff who can contribute to industry development.
In his remarks, Prof Ahmed Adedeji, Chairperson of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee for Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT), Rwanda, expressed delight in partnering with Yabatech.
Describing the partnership as “a golden opportunity to give back,” Adedeji called for a committee to drive collaboration, innovation, and economic growth through sustainable initiatives.
He emphasised Nigeria’s research capacity, urging stakeholders to leverage collective expertise and resources to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
“Our Rwanda office is making significant strides, and we plan to apply these learnings in Nigeria through a five-year roadmap for innovation with Yabatech,” he stated.
Adedeji revealed plans for joint projects, including biomanufacturing and an African Transport Conference in collaboration with Yabatech and other institutions.
He also proposed piloting a modern mechanic village, citing Yabatech as the ideal institution to lead this initiative.
As part of the commitment, Adedeji suggested an annual research audit to identify gaps and explore commercialisation opportunities.
“We also aim to establish exchange programmes, enabling staff and students to gain international exposure and enhance bilateral development,” he said.
Similarly, Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon Africa, described Yabatech as a pioneer in developing technology talent in Nigeria.
She commended the institution’s leadership for aligning with Semicolon’s vision of producing highly employable technical professionals.
“We are dedicated to improving employability outcomes by linking talent more closely to industry needs,” she added.
Immanuel noted that Semicolon trains software engineers and has successfully worked with Yabatech graduates, affirming the institution’s strong foundation.
“Through our partnership, we aim to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s technology talent ecosystem,” she stated.
Prof. Funso Afolabi, Chairman of Yabatech’s Governing Council, described the event as bridging the gap between ‘Gown and Town’, fostering academia-industry collaboration.
He emphasised the importance of skills development and interactive sessions in addressing societal challenges beyond theoretical knowledge.
“We must align with Yabatech’s agenda, which complements the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda and revitalises earlier initiatives,” Afolabi added.
Mr Babagana Aminu, an Education Specialist with UNICEF, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Yabatech through the ‘Girls Education and Skills Partnership’ project.
He stated that the project focuses on empowering young girls aged 13 to 24 with digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and employability skills.
“This initiative aims to bridge the global workforce gap, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship for women,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted Nigeria’s projected population growth by 2050 as a driving factor for investing in youth skills development.
Three Yabatech staff members and two students were recognised for their innovations in waste-to-wealth initiatives. Dr Oloketuyi Idowu won first place with N500,000, while others received cash prizes.
Recall that no fewer than 25 industries and organisations pledged to support Yabatech’s mission to produce globally employable graduates.