YABATECH Alumni mobilise to drive historic transition to University Status

The alumni of Yaba College of Technology have vowed to rally resources, expertise, and partnerships to ensure the institution’s successful transformation into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies, positioning it among Nigeria’s most outstanding universities.

Speaking at the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Emmanuel Unachukwu Hall, Yaba, the National President of the YABATECH Alumni Association, Yemi Osibajo, who is a builder, described the moment as historic.

The AGM, themed “Alumni Unity and Synergy for Exponential Development,” he said, was not just a ceremonial gathering but a call to decisive action.

“A united alumni association is a powerful force — capable of transforming institutions, influencing policy, driving innovation, and spurring national development,” Osibajo declared.

On the proposed upgrade of YABATECH, Osibajo said the conversion was more than a milestone, it was a mandate requiring strategic collaboration between alumni, industry, government, and the wider public.

“The future of technical and vocational education in Nigeria rests in no small part on the strength of what we build together today,” he noted.

To achieve its ambitions, the association plans to benchmark itself against the alumni network of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), citing similarities in institutional heritage and aspirations for global excellence.

“Our goal is to position YABATECH-once converted-as Nigeria’s leading University of Technology and Vocational Studies,” Osibajo said.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the College Governing Council, Prof. Funso Isolaowa Afolabi, hailed the progress that led to the National Assembly bill for the institution’s conversion, calling it “long overdue.”

He described the Federal Government’s move as an acknowledgment of YABATECH’s legacy of excellence as Nigeria’s first tertiary institution and its consistent ranking as the nation’s top polytechnic.

“This is not an act of kindness,” Afolabi said. “It is recognition of decades of academic distinction and the production of some of the finest professionals, innovators, and leaders in every sector of national life.”

Similarly, Chairman of the Alumni Board of Trustees, Wing Commander Solomon Olawale Ajayi (rtd), called the transition “a rebirth of purpose.”

While acknowledging it as a cause for celebration, he urged members to prepare for the hard work ahead.

“The journey to becoming a university of global repute will require our full alignment, unshaken loyalty, and unwavering support,” he said.

The alumni pledged to work in concert with all stakeholders to ensure YABATECH’s evolution into a world-class university is marked not only by a change of status but by a leap in academic and technological impact.