YABATECH- The cradle of higher education in Nigeria

Yaba college of Technology” as is popularly known today started as Technical Institute which succeeded the Yaba Higher College in October, 1947. Following the recommendation of the Elliot Commission on higher education in West Africa, then students of the Higher College were moved to Ibadan to become the pioneering students of the University of Ibadan, the first university in the country. So in effect, the college is the premier Higher Institution in the country. In 1969, the Federal Government Decree no 23 established the college as an autonomous institution under the name of “Yaba College of Technology”. Again, Decree No. 33 of 1979 re-established the college along with six other new Federal polytechnics and named it “Federal Polytechnic Yaba”. However, as a result of persistent pressure mounted on the last civilian regime, the college was allowed to revert to its old name of “Yaba College of Technology” in 1980. The main objective of the college, according to the Decree establishing it, is to provide full-time courses of instruction and training in technology, applied science, commerce and management and in such other fields of applied learning to the needs of the development of Nigeria in the areas of industrial and agricultural production and distribution and for research in the development and adaptation of techniques as the council of the college may from time to time determine.

In acceptance of the pivotal role that higher education plays in national development, Yaba College of Technology has embarked on a number of far-reaching initiatives designed to enhance the realisation of its vision in the context of current and future needs of Nigeria.

The institution is structured into schools, academic departments with various accredited programmes, which cut across the National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma and Post-Higher National Diploma Levels. 

In addition, the institution offers B.Sc (Ed) courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Post Graduates Diploma in Engineering. The two programmes are run in conjunction with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, respectively. 

It in line with its vision to create competitive students, Yaba College of Technology scored first by being the first higher institution in Nigeria to establish a full-fledged centre for Entrepreneurship Development, with strong linkages with the world of commerce and industry. The centre offers compulsory courses which must be taken by all students throughout their stay in the college.

Kudirat Ladipo, rector of the college disclosed that Yaba College of Technology has found it necessary to re-position itself to meet the 21 century challenges by being the leading higher institution in Nigeria, in providing first rate academic, professional and entrepreneurial education for the purpose of making a positive impact in the technological and socio-economic development of the country.

According to her, “In this regard, the actualisation of this, the college has set for itself, the mission of producing knowledgeable and innovative graduates, worthy in skill and character through effective teaching and research for technological advancement of Nigeria”.

Ladipo further opines that by setting up a Quality Assurance Unit in the college, it sis step which aims to bring the concept of quality control and assurance in academic service delivery to the consciousness of both staff and students.

“The unit was established because of the college management’s belief that every aspect of academic activity must be measured to standards comparable to the best in the world”. She said

The Applied Research and Technology Innovation (ARTI) Unit is an integral aspect of innovative learning established to promote research and linkages with relevant private sector organisations, particularly macro, small and medium enterprises for the exploitation and use of research for development. ARTI also assists to promote linkages between students of Yabatech and students of other institutions especially in the area of research.

She further posits that from inception to date Yaba College of Technology has continued to provide enabling environment for the achievement of academic excellence. “It is expected that these and other activities shall sustain Yaba College of Technology as a leader in tertiary education in Nigeria in the years to come”. She said. 

KELECHI EWUZIE