YABATECH seeks alumni backing to attain university status

By Elizabeth Osayande

Prof. Funsho Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), urged alumni worldwide to support the college’s transition into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies, stressing that their backing is essential for the historic change.

He made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the YABATECH Alumni Association, held at Emmanuel Unachukwu Hall, Alumni Building, YABATECH, Lagos.

Represented by Dr. Maruf Adebakin, the Chairman said the institution had reached a pivotal moment and needed the collective commitment, expertise and influence of its graduates to realize its transformation agenda.

He noted that the college was already implementing strategic measures to position itself for a smooth transition, stressing that the process would require resilience, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.

“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,” he said.

Prof. Afolabi urged alumni to use their positions in government, industry, academia and the private sector to secure partnerships, facilitate interventions, influence favorable policies and contribute developmental projects that can accelerate the institution’s growth.

He also called on members to maintain unity within the association and avoid divisions that could undermine progress for both the alumni community and the college.

According to him, YABATECH holds 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.

In his goodwill message, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the college as a national asset and a centre of technological excellence that has consistently produced innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the YABATECH Alumni Association, Wing Commander Solomon Olawale Ajayi (Rtd), said the institution was on the threshold of a historic transformation and that the alumni body was repositioning itself to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.

Also speaking, National President of the Association, Bldr. Yemi Osinbajo, said the AGM was conceived as a platform for strategic collaboration and collective action toward advancing education, innovation and national development.