‘YABATECH needs alumni backing to become university’

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Professor Funsho Afolabi, has issued a strong call to action for the institution’s global alumni network. He urged them to actively support YABATECH’s ongoing transformation into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies, stating that their backing is crucial for the success of this significant transition.

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The College stands at a critical point in its history, and the support of the Alumni Association has become more important than ever. We need an Alumni Association that will deploy its intellectual resources, professional expertise, national influence and global networks to support the institution.

Professor Afolabi, represented by Dr. Maruf Adebakin at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the YABATECH Alumni Association in Lagos, described the moment as defining for the institution. He stressed the need for collective commitment, expertise, and influence from graduates to realize the transformation agenda. The college is already implementing strategic measures to ensure a smooth shift, requiring resilience, innovation, and collaboration.

"The College stands at a critical point in its history, and the support of the Alumni Association has become more important than ever," Afolabi stated. He called for an alumni body that would deploy its intellectual resources, professional expertise, national influence, and global networks to aid the institution. He encouraged alumni to use their positions in government, industry, academia, and the private sector to attract partnerships, facilitate interventions, influence policy, and contribute to developmental projects.

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YABATECH occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s educational history as the nation’s premier higher institution, having produced generations of professionals whose contributions have significantly impacted national development.

The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, lauded the college as a national asset and a hub of technological excellence, consistently producing professionals who contribute to Nigeria's industrial and economic growth. Wing Commander Solomon Olawale Ajayi (Rtd), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association, noted the institution's historic transformation and the alumni body's repositioning to meet emerging challenges. National President Bldr. Yemi Osinbajo added that the AGM was designed for strategic collaboration and collective action towards advancing education, innovation, and national development.

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The AGM was conceived as a platform for strategic collaboration and collective action towards advancing education, innovation and national development.