Yabatech rector lauds 1986 Accountancy class for legacy project

The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has commended its 1986 Accountancy class for renovating and donating a legacy project to the institution.

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, gave the commendation at the 40th anniversary celebration and legacy project handover ceremony of the class on Friday in Lagos.

It was reported that the Yabatech Class of 1986, led by Mrs Itunu Omotayo, renovated the old School of Management and Business Studies building.

Abdul said the class returned 40 years after leaving the college to give back to the institution.

“Your decision to invest in the future of your alma mater will benefit generations of students yet unborn,” he said.

The rector said the gesture demonstrated the alumni’s commitment to service and enduring connection with the institution.

“Your names are written not only in the history of this institution, but also in the hearts of those who value education and service,” Abdul said.

He expressed hope that the rehabilitated facilities would remain centres of excellence and symbols of what could be achieved through collective commitment.

Abdul said the School of Financial Studies reflected the college’s commitment to specialised training in finance and related disciplines.

He added that the School of Management and Business Studies would focus on management education, entrepreneurship and business leadership.

The rector thanked the class for its contributions to the growth and development of the college.

The Chairman of Yabatech Governing Council, Mr Funsho Afolabi, urged other alumni sets and friends of the college to support its development.

“The college still has needs; our students require better facilities, mentorship and exposure. Together, we can contribute meaningfully to meeting those needs,” he said.

Afolabi urged the institution’s management, staff and students to value and maintain the facilities provided through the project.

“Let excellence be your standard and integrity non-negotiable. Let these spaces produce graduates who return to leave Yabatech better than they met it,” he said.

Earlier, Omotayo said the project followed an occasional visit to the college, during which members identified areas requiring urgent rehabilitation.

She said the alumni were particularly concerned about deteriorated flooring that made movement difficult for students during rainy periods.

“Forty years ago, we came here as students. Today, we return as alumni, carrying gratitude and a desire to give back,” Omotayo said.

She said the rehabilitation represented a new chapter for the building, which would soon serve as the School of Financial Studies.

“As we hand over this rehabilitated building, we make one request: please maintain it and protect what has been entrusted to us,” she said.

Omotayo expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the project a reality on behalf of the 1986 Accountancy class.