Yemi Obafemi
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Ibraheem Abdul, have said the institution management have been able to produce graduates that would be self-reliant and innovative.
Abdul disclosed this at the combined 35th Convocation and 76th anniversary of the institution, held in the institution’s Philip Adegbile Sports Complex.
“ It is my firm belief that all the graduand, and indeed all in attendance, have been well impacted and empowered to be competent and skillful entrepreneurs that would affect the growth of our country,” the rector said.
He gave the breakdown of the performance of the 2021/2022 Academic Session (Full-Time and Part-Time) set as: 254 (distinction), 1,893 (Upper Credit division), 3,940 (Lower Credit), while 1630 were in the Pass grade category.
The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, in his address to the 7,717 graduant urged graduates of the YABATECH to make use of the knowledge instill in them from the institution to serve humanity and remain exemplary citizens.
Mamman who was represented by the Director, Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ezonebi Azorbo called on stakeholders and industrialists to complement government initiatives through contributions to research, structure development, scholarships for underprivileged students, capacity building and graduate employment.
He said, “This partnership will significantly augment the accomplishments facilitated by agencies like TETFund, PTDF and International Development Partners.
“A four-year strategic plan is underway as a roadmap for the development of the sector; a crucial step in this direction was the Federal Government organised National Stakeholders Workshop held on Oct. 19, poised to reshape the future of education in Nigeria.
“We collectively recognise the pivotal role of Science and Technology education in national growth, as a primary driver; the Polytechnic sub-sector occupies a central position in our quest for technology development,” he added.
He said social vices such as cultism, exam malpractice, among others, on campuses, threatening the aspiration of building world-class institutions and nurturing enduring professionals, urged the administration to take action and eradicate it.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of Fellowship Awards on three outstanding Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
The awardees are Lady Christine Otedola, a former first lady of Lagos State and matriarch of Otedola dynasty; Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, first President, Nigeria Labour Congress; and Prof. Babagana Zulum, an accomplished administrator
