By Gabriel Dike
•NBTE South West coordinator, Mr. Aroye; Dr. Awoh; Dr. Abdul; Justice Olorunnimbe, Chief Fanimokun and Pa Okufi watch the cutting of the cake
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul has given one year scorecard of his administration with lists of numerous achievements recorded.
A public lecture was held to mark the rector’s one year in office. At the event, it was commendations galore by stakeholders and appreciation by staff and students of the 77-year-old first higher institution in the country.
The lecturer attracted the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, rectors of sister institutions, a retired chief judge, Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, former rectors of the college led by 94-year-old, Pa G.M. Okufi, current principal officers of YABATECH, staff unions, students and his family members.
Testimony of his achievements were acknowledged by the college’s first rector, Pa Okufi, NBTE ES, chairman of the occasion, Chief Fanimokun and the guest lecturer and Rector of Redeemer College of Technology & Management (RECTEM), Dr. Awoh Stella Mofunanya.
Highlighting his achievements, Dr. Abdul said it is not about celebration but to reflect upon and appreciate the tremendous strides recorded in the past one year.
Said he: “This is not a movement of self-congratulation but a recognition of our collective efforts and an opportunity to outline our future course. Our achievements are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and innovative spirit that defines our institution.
“Over the past year, we have embarked on the ERECT agenda, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming YABATECH. By Empowering, Repackaging, Exploring, Consolidating and Tapping into resources, we are establishing a strong foundation for innovation and sustainable growth.”
He said his administration approach is staff-centered, taking care of what it takes to have a self-motivated workforce such as special awards, building staff capacity, creating opportunities for them and improved housing schemes.
According to him, connecting the town and gown would lead to the much-desired national development and youth empowerment, noting, “we treasure industry collaboration because it is crucial for aligning our academic programmes with real world needs.”
He listed his achievements to include establishment of Yaba Industry Alliance Group (YIAG) college ICT academics, collaboration with skillfort leading to award of 30 partial scholarship, collaboration with MTN, signed MoU with Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto, with Kobe Institute of Computing, Japan, with Karisruhe University of Arts and Design, Germany, with University of Northampton.
Others are partnering with Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, CEO of African Fashion Week London, MoU with Choic International Group, secured 1.9 billion research grant, received donations of legacy projects worth N26 billion, which includes, N3.5 billion building complex by Chief Tunde Fanimokun, 150- acre landed property at Snake Island for Green Campus and hostel building at Epe campus donated by Lady Christine Doja Otedola.
Abdul expressed his gratitude to the college community for their hard work, dedication and unwavering support, stating, “we will continue to build on these accomplishments and take YABATECH to greater height in the years to come.”
In his remarks, Pa Okufi said the college administration has transformed YABATECH within one year and expect the rector to continue with the pace of achievements.
Okufi said. “Dr. Abdul has voluntarily submitted himself today for evaluation. The X-ray machine is there to present to us a clear picture and valid judgment of his performance in the last 12 calendar months.”
On his part, Chief Fanimokun said he decided to invest N3.5 billion in YABATECH because of the leadership style of the rector and followed it up with donation of 150 acres of land for the Green Campus.
Fanimokun told the gathering that YABATECH as the first tertiary institution has track records behind its history and tasked the rector and his team to empower the students with the entrepreneur skills.
Chairman of the planning committee, Mrs. Olabisi Adeniji, described the ceremony as another significant milestone and achievement in the history of the college under Dr. Abdul.
“It is a momentous occasion of rededication and showcasing a year of remarkable leadership, innovative thinking, and setting the pace to implement the college’s 2023/2028 strategic plan for the second year of this administration after evaluation, “Adeniji noted.