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ToggleBill to Convert YABATECH to University Nears Completion — Rector Appears at Public Hearing
By Undergragra Education Desk
In what many have called a long-overdue transformation, the push to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university has reached a critical stage, with the bill now 85% complete.
Earlier today, the Rector of YABATECH appeared before the National Assembly during the public hearing on the proposed legislation. The hearing marked one of the final steps before the bill can be passed into law, a move that has been met with overwhelming support from education stakeholders and members of the public.
A Legacy Institution
Founded in 1947, YABATECH is Nigeria’s first higher institution of learning, predating even the establishment of the University of Ibadan. For over seven decades, the college has played a pivotal role in producing skilled professionals across engineering, technology, business, and the creative industries.
With a long-standing reputation for excellence in technical and vocational education, many have argued that YABATECH’s academic depth, infrastructure, and human capital already match or exceed that of many universities in Nigeria.
Why the Upgrade Matters
The proposed upgrade to a University of Technology is not just symbolic—it is strategic. Advocates say the change will:
Enable greater access to research funding and international collaboration
Allow the institution to offer full degree programs and postgraduate studies in engineering, technology, and applied sciences
Enhance the status of graduates by aligning their certificates with university standards
Foster innovation and entrepreneurship in alignment with Nigeria’s digital and industrial development goals
The bill, once passed, will align with national efforts to reposition polytechnics and reflect the changing demands of the workforce and global education landscape.
What’s Next?
Following the successful public hearing, the bill is expected to go through final readings and approval in both chambers of the National Assembly before being signed into law by the President. Once enacted, YABATECH will officially transition into the Federal University of Technology, Yaba (proposed name).
Stay tuned to Undergragra for continuous coverage on this historic upgrade and its implications for students, lecturers, and the future of technical education in Nigeria.