Follow Us on Google
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to legislation establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, clearing a major legal hurdle in Yaba College of Technology’s proposed transition to a university.
Daniel Amos, member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on House Services, disclosed the development.
He also confirmed the President’s assent to a separate bill upgrading the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna.
The bills was sponsored by House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, the two laws seek to expand access to higher education and strengthen technical and vocational training in response to Nigeria’s changing economy.
YABATECH was founded in 2947 and has trained professionals in engineering, environmental studies, management, science, technology, art and other disciplines, while maintaining a focus on practical training, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The legislation provides a framework for expanded degree programmes, applied research, innovation and stronger industry links. The timing and scope of the transition will depend on subsequent implementation arrangements.
Its proposed university status could support undergraduate and, where approved, postgraduate programmes, research and development partnerships, and closer integration of academic instruction with practical skills and technological problem-solving.
The transition is being pursued under the leadership of Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, whose administration has implemented the ERECT Agenda and the 2024–2028 Roadmap for institutional development, academic advancement and service delivery.
Reacting to the development, the rector, described the assent as a significant step in YABATECH’s institutional development.
He said the legislation would enable the college to build on its existing strengths while expanding its role in technological education, research, innovation and skills development.
“YABATECH has, over the decades, demonstrated that technical and vocational education is indispensable to national development.
“The presidential assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, is a landmark development that brings renewed hope to our institutional aspiration and opens a new chapter in our contribution to Nigeria’s educational and technological advancement.”
He said the transition would require sustained attention to quality assurance, infrastructure, staff development, curriculum review and stakeholder engagement.
Abdul thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly, and acknowledged the contributions of the Governing Council, management, Academic Board, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
He added that YABATECH would retain its focus on technical and vocational education while preparing to assume the responsibilities associated with university status.
The development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its technical workforce, promote economic diversification and strengthen connections between education, industry and employment. Institutions combining academic training with practical skills and innovation are expected to play a central role in that effort.
The rector averred that the assent marks a formal step towards establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, subject to completion of the required implementation processes.
