FUSTECH Seeks Strategic Partnership with YABATECH to Enhance Science and Technology Education

The newly established Federal University of Science and Technology (FUSTECH) has announced its readiness to partner with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to enhance science education, research, laboratory development, and manpower support. The initiative aligns with the federal government’s technology‑driven education agenda.

Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Kazeem Oshikoya made the statement during a courtesy visit by FUSTECH’s management team to YABATECH, a visit intended to strengthen collaboration among federal tertiary institutions.

Oshikoya described the engagement as both symbolic and strategic, noting that YABATECH’s extensive experience, infrastructure, and reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions make it a valuable partner for the new university’s successful launch.

The university was established by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to produce graduates equipped with cutting‑edge skills in science, technology, and innovation, capable of competing globally and creating employment opportunities.

“We considered it appropriate for a new institution like FUSTECH to pay homage to one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions. Beyond that, we have come to explore areas of collaboration that will enable us to fulfil the mandate given to us by the Federal Government,” said Oshikoya.

He added that the Minister of Education had directed the university to focus on emerging areas of science and technology that would contribute significantly to national development and economic transformation.

Despite challenges related to securing a permanent site and developing infrastructure, the university has made notable progress since its establishment.

FUSTECH has secured approximately N4 billion in TETfund intervention for the construction of laboratories, ICT facilities, faculty buildings, and a university library, in addition to N2 billion facilitated by the Minister of Education for the construction of male and female hostels.

Oshikoya explained that delays in land acquisition and documentation have forced the institution to make interim arrangements and seek partnerships with neighbouring institutions.

He said FUSTECH is looking to collaborate with YABATECH in areas such as laboratory access for practical training, use of library facilities, student accommodation, security support, and the sharing of academic expertise.

“We are looking at ways through which our students can benefit from existing facilities while we continue developing our permanent campus. We believe institutions should work together in advancing national educational goals,” he stated.

In response, YABATECH Rector Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul welcomed the initiative, describing it as a commendable example of institutional cooperation within the Nigerian higher education sector.

He praised the university for prioritising collaboration with institutions in its immediate environment rather than focusing exclusively on foreign partnerships.

“In Nigeria, we often see institutions looking far beyond their immediate environment for collaborations while overlooking opportunities around them. What FUSTECH is doing is commendable and represents the way forward for tertiary education development,” Abdul said.

The rector assured the visiting delegation that YABATECH is willing to explore mutually beneficial areas of partnership and would carefully review the university’s requests.

“We are open to collaboration and partnership. Once we identify areas where we can support one another for the advancement of education and national development, we will gladly work together,” he added.

Abdul further noted that the proposed partnership aligns with YABATECH’s longstanding commitment to promoting collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, skills development, and institutional growth.