The Federal Government has begun considering the recommendations of the committee set up to work out the modalities for the upgrade of Yaba College of Technology to the University of Technology and Vocational Studies.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this during the 37th Convocation Ceremony of Yabatech on Thursday.

Tinubu had, in February, approved the conversion of YABATECH to a university.

The approval was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during a working visit to the institution on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Speaking at the convocation, Tinubu said the upgrade of Yabatech, established originally as Yaba Technical Institute in 1947, was aimed at integrating hands-on technical training with advanced research, thereby fostering innovation, economic growth and national development.

He said, “As you are aware, the Federal Government has approved the upgrading of YabaTech to Yaba Technical and Vocational University.

The committee constituted to work on the modalities to bring about seamless transition has already submitted its report. The recommendations are being considered.”

Tinubu said the government prioritised Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences alongside technical and vocational education, describing them as the foundation upon which Nigeria can equip its youth with relevant 21st-century skills.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued to align learning with employability through the expansion of vocational training and digital skills programs.

Tinubu added, “Through the Vocational Enterprise Institutes, over 960,000 trainees have been enrolled nationwide across more than 25 specialised trades, ensuring that young Nigerians acquire practical, market-ready skills.

“In addition, the Ministry of Education is driving large-scale digital capacity-building programmes to equip graduates for success in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. These initiatives include intensive digital literacy bootcamps in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing; e-learning platforms that provide access to certified online courses; structured internships and industrial attachments with leading technology companies; and the establishment of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs to nurture start-ups and small businesses.”

He urged the graduating students to “take their place as builders of a new Nigeria.”

Tinubu also called on industry leaders and private-sector players to partner with the government in supporting research, innovation and enterprise development within tertiary institutions.

“Nation building is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a sacred duty we all share,” he added.

Speaking, the Rector, Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the institution is now firmly on the path to becoming Nigeria’s first specialised University of Technology and Vocational Studies, following the Federal Government’s approval of its upgrade.

Abdul described the transition as a “historic milestone” and the strongest affirmation of YABATECH’s 78-year legacy as the country’s premier technical and vocational institution.

He expressed optimism that the transition to a specialised university would unlock new opportunities for research, skills development and national economic growth.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for granting what he called a “life-changing approval,” noting that the elevation positions the institution to power the nation’s next phase of innovation-driven development.

“This is the single greatest recognition of our 78 years of excellence,” the Rector said.

“It is the clearest confirmation that YABATECH is ready to champion Nigeria’s rise through technology, technical skills, and vocational innovation.”

Abdul also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for his support, describing him as a key believer in the institution’s capacity to host Africa’s first university dedicated exclusively to TVET and skills development.

He also lauded the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, for her contributions to the college and the national education sector.

He announced that beginning this year, the convocation ceremony would be held annually, adding that graduates would now receive their certificates on convocation day as part of new measures to improve administrative efficiency.

A total of 8,654 students received National Diplomas, Higher National Diplomas and Certificates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

They include 291 Distinctions, 2,434 Upper Credits, 4,403 Lower Credits and 1,526 Pass grades.

Addressing the graduands, Abdul urged them to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, saying YABATECH had equipped them with both academic competence and compulsory vocational skills.

“You are leaving here not as job-seekers but as job-creators. That is the YABATECH promise, and we have delivered it,” he said. (PUNCH)