The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, says the move to convert the college into a full university is still in progress.
He said the National Assembly and the Presidency are working on the final steps.
Abdul spoke on Friday during a briefing on the activities for the school’s 37th convocation ceremony.
He explained that the college management had already appeared before the National Assembly to defend the proposal and was confident that the process would soon be completed. He reminded the public that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had earlier announced the Federal Government’s plan to upgrade YABATECH.
Abdul said, “We have done what is expected of us at this end. We went to the National Assembly to defend the proposal, and we have all that it takes to become a university. At YABATECH, there are over 200 doctorate degree holders among our staff members, and the facilities are also there for us to use. We are praying and fasting that it becomes a reality soon.”
The Rector said a total of 8,654 students would graduate this year with diplomas at the ND and HND levels. Out of the number, 291 finished with distinction.
The Best Graduating Student is Ani Faith Ada from the Office Technology Management Department with a CGPA of 3.90 out of 4.0.
He also confirmed that the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, will deliver the convocation lecture titled Entrepreneurship Development in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Job Creation and Economic Growth. The event will be chaired by Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Abdul added that the school will confer its Fellowship Award on three Nigerians who he said have contributed strongly to the country’s digital and economic space. They are Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Yayi, and Abdul-Samad Isyaku Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group.
“These distinguished Nigerians have made exceptional contributions to education, industry governance and society at large. Their achievements in public service reflect the value, dedication, integrity and excellence we seek to instil in our students. We are proud to welcome them into the Yaba College of Technology family,” he said.
