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By Gabriel Dike
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibraheem Abdul has described the newly admitted students of the 78-year-old institution as future leaders, innovators, change-makers and charged them to avoid distraction and focus on the studies.
Abdul reminded the students that as they step through the doors of the institution, the journey ahead would be filled with challenges and triumphs, one that would shape their academic, professional, and personal character.
He made the remarks at the matriculation ceremony of 17,130 newly admitted students into various programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session.
“These students were selected from 24,655 candidates who applied for admission. Specifically, in the B.Sc (Ed) category, 655 candidates applied, out of which 555 were offered admission into the School of Technical Education.
“For the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme, 6,274 candidates applied while 5,551 were admitted. At the National Diploma (ND) level, 17,726 candidates applied and 11,024 were admitted after successful performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB and the college’s screening exercise. This rigorous process ensures we admit only the best and most qualified candidates.
“Today marks a defining milestone in your lives. By this matriculation, you are formally admitted into a community renowned for excellence, innovation, and the production of graduates who are not only academically sound but also industry-ready and globally competitive. For decades, YABATECH graduates have continued to shape the technological and industrial landscape of our nation,” he stated.
Abdul said the college has witnessed remarkable transformation in the last three years and most notably, is the approval granted by President Tinubu for the conversion of the historic 78-year-old institution into a Technical and Vocational University.
His words: “This landmark milestone stands as a powerful affirmation of our excellence and a strategic boost to national capacity in skills-based education, innovation, and industrial development.”
The rector read the riot act to the new students to avoid cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying, and that all forms of indiscipline have no place in YABTECH. Any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution. Choose the path of honour.
He charged the students to be discipline in appearance and conduct, academic commitment, attain a minimum of 75% class attendance, acquisition of knowledge and practical skills, participation in societies, clubs and student activities, sports, leisure and healthy living and religious tolerance and mutual respect.
“The nation looks to your generation for solutions in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. YABATECH is ready to equip you. The rest depends on your determination, discipline, and focus,” Abdul noted.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya said the induction of the 555 admitted students for Vocational Education carries both honour and responsibility.
The VC who was represented by the Dean, Vocational Education of UNN, Prof. C.T. Ogbuanya warned the students to adhere strictly to the statutes, rules, regulations and directives of the university and those of YABATECH where they are studying.
He added: “You are now responsible for your own intellectual growth and academic trajectory. You must attend lectures diligently, engage actively in practical sessions, embrace independent study, and maximize the use of libraries, laboratories, workshops, and e-learning platforms.”
Ortuanya emphasized the university maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, indecent dressing, sexual harassment, vandalism, and all forms of misconduct.
“Such acts constitute a grave breach of the regulations and shall attract sanctions in accordance with due process. Always bear in mind that degrees of this great institution are conferred only on those who distinguish themselves in character and learning.”
