The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has assured students and stakeholders that the institution’s transition into a full-fledged university remains on course.
- +YABATECH’s transition to varsity on course, says rector
Abdul spoke on Thursday during the matriculation of 17,130 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Abdul spoke on Thursday during the matriculation of 17,130 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He said the Federal Government’s approval for the conversion of the 79-year-old institution into a university of technology and vocational education had reached an advanced stage, with legislative processes ongoing at the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of YABATECH into a university in February 2025.
According to the rector, the announcement was a reaffirmation of the President’s approval and commitment to the process.
“The announcement is not new. I am just reiterating it to the new students that the President has approved our conversion to a university. The minister himself made the announcement last year and I want to assure everyone that it is on course,” he said.
Abdul, however, clarified that the institution would continue operating as a polytechnic pending the completion of regulatory and accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission.
“These are not our last set of students as a college because there are still processes to follow. The NUC has to approve our courses before degree programmes can commence. We will continue our admissions as a polytechnic while the transition progresses,” he said.
The rector also unveiled infrastructure expansion plans aimed at preparing the institution for its proposed university status.
According to him, the President approved a N5bn take-off intervention fund for the construction of a 13-storey building within the institution and another N2bn for faculty development projects.
He added that the institution was expanding its Epe campus while also developing additional hostels and academic facilities in Yaba.
Abdul disclosed that the Federal Government recently approved a Presidential Initiative hostel project expected to provide 1,500 bed spaces for students.
The rector also announced plans to establish new faculties, including the Faculty of Health Technology and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
He further disclosed that the institution admitted 17,130 students from 24,655 applications received for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Abdul urged the matriculating students to embrace discipline, academic excellence and entrepreneurship while avoiding cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse and other social vices.
“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in Yabatech. Any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution,” he said.
