Tinubu Approves YABATECH’s Upgrade to University Status, Says Education Minister

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

Alausa disclosed the news on Friday during a working visit to the institution, where he addressed the management, staff, and students.

“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,” he said.

He emphasized that YABATECH, with over 200 PhD holders among its staff, is well-equipped to transition into a university. Alausa credited Tinubu for prioritizing education and youth development.

During his visit, the minister inaugurated and inspected projects at the institution, commending its management for maintaining facilities despite their age. He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting technical and vocational education, including entrepreneurship, to curb the “Japa Syndrome.”

“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, earning foreign exchange,” he stated.

Alausa noted that Nigeria had neglected technical and vocational education for decades in favor of producing graduates seeking white-collar jobs, but the Tinubu administration is shifting focus to a more innovation-driven education system.

Earlier, YABATECH Rector Dr. Ibrahim Abdul reaffirmed the institution’s readiness for the transition, stating, “We don’t want to become just one of those universities. We want to be a university of technical and vocational education that would bring innovation, solve societal problems, and contribute greatly to national development.”

The bill to formalize the institution’s new status and name will be sent to the National Assembly for passage and presidential assent.