President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has assented to the legislation establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos, marking a major step towards the proposed transition of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to a university. The President also gave assent to a separate bill upgrading the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna.
Sponsored by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the 2 laws seek to expand access to higher education and strengthen technical and vocational training in response to Nigeria’s changing economic needs.
Founded in 1947, YABATECH has trained professionals in engineering, environmental studies, management, science, technology, arts and other disciplines. The institution has also maintained a focus on practical training, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The legislation provides a framework for expanding degree programmes, applied research, innovation and collaboration with industry. However, the timing and scope of the transition will depend on the implementation arrangements required to establish the new university.
Reacting to the development, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, described the presidential assent as a significant milestone in the institution’s development.
He said the legislation would enable the institution to build on its existing strengths while expanding its contribution to technological education, research, innovation and skills development.“YABATECH has, over the decades, demonstrated that technical and vocational education is indispensable to national development,” Abdul said.
“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.”
The rector noted that the transition would require sustained attention to quality assurance, infrastructure, staff development, curriculum review and stakeholder engagement.
He also thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their roles in the process, while acknowledging the contributions of the institution’s Governing Council, Management, Academic Board, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
Abdul added that YABATECH would retain its emphasis on technical and vocational education while preparing to take on the responsibilities associated with university status.
The institution’s transition is being pursued under his leadership through the ERECT Agenda and the 2024–2028 Roadmap, which focus on institutional development, academic advancement and service delivery.
The development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its technical workforce, diversify the economy and strengthen connections between education, industry and employment.
The proposed university is expected to provide a framework for broader academic programmes and closer links between research, practical skills and technological problem-solving.