Studies: YABATECH charges fresh students on open-mindedness

The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has charged its fresh students to approach their academic journey with open minds.

The Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, gave the charge on Thursday during the institution’s 2024 Matriculation Ceremony.

The college admitted 8,202 students of a total of 21,530 who applied for full-time programmes for the 2023/2024 academic session.

According to the rector, challenges and triumphs will sharpen the students characters.

“As you begin this exciting chapter of your lives, keep in mind the mission and vision of the college.

“Let us strive towards excellence, inclusivity and innovation.

“You have worked so diligently to reach this point, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also resilience and determination.

“You are not just students; you are our future leaders, innovators and change makers.

“The journey you are about to undertake will be filled with challenges and triumphs, it is a journey that will shape not only your academic and professional lives but also your characters and values,” he said.

It was reported that the ceremony featured signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Africa Fashion Week Initiative Nigeria (Africa Fashion Week London) and YABATECH.

Abdul said that the signing was in demonstration of the institution’s commitment to skill development in creative industries.

“The collaboration will open new doors for our students in fashion, textile, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“We have created several platforms to foster innovation, critical thinking and industry-relevant expertise in line with the vision to equip you with 21st Century skills and industry-recognised micro-credentials to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

“Our partnerships with global technology giants, Huawei and CISCO, have led to the establishment of ICT academies on campus.

“The partnership will enable our students to gain cutting-edge skills in ICT which are critical in today’s digital world,” the rector said.

The Chairman, Governing Council, YABATECH, Prof. Funso Afolabi, charged the new students to show integrity, respect and responsibility.

According to him, the values are the cornerstones of becoming successful and responsible citizens.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, said that the institution expected the students to abide by the rules, regulations and laws of the university.

It was reported that YABATECH is affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for degree programmes.

Ezeokonkwo said that violation of the rules and regulations could lead to suspension or outright expulsion.

Ezeokonkwo also enjoined the students to give priority to their studies and be regular and punctual in classes.

He said that the university had zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

“We seek to produce truly-educated, civilised, decent and law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Tertiary Education, called on the new students to acquire needed skills in the line of their studies.

Bugaje said that the students would be asked to undertake the Mandatory Skill Qualification course.

“You will be asked undertake this course; so, identify the area you have passion in,” he said.

Bugaje said that there was need for establishment of a national polytechnic commission, adding that it would have more than 700 institutions to supervise.