The transition of Yaba College of Technology into a full-fledged technical and vocational university has gained further momentum as the institution formally matriculated 17,130 students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony, the Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said the conversion process had already received presidential approval and endorsement from the Senate, while concurrence from the House of Representatives is being awaited before the bill is transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
According to the Rector, the transformation represents a major milestone in strengthening technical, vocational and skills-based education in Nigeria.
“The institution has witnessed remarkable transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly with the federal government’s approval for the conversion of the 78-year-old institution into a technical and vocational university,” he said.
Abdul, however, noted that additional processes, including accreditation of proposed degree programmes, must still be completed before the institution can commence full university operations.
“There are processes we still have to go through. We still have to accredit our courses before we can start the degree programmes. Everything cannot just happen immediately,” he stated.
The matriculation ceremony also marked the formal admission of students selected from 24,655 applicants who sought admission into the institution’s various programmes.
A breakdown of the admissions showed that 11,024 students were admitted into National Diploma (ND) programmes, 5,551 into Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, while 555 gained admission into the Bachelor of Science in Education category under the School of Technical Education.
The Rector described the occasion as the beginning of a transformative academic journey for the students, urging them to embrace discipline, innovation, and practical learning.
He said the institution remains committed to producing graduates who are academically sound, industry-ready, and globally competitive.
Abdul further encouraged the students to maximise the use of the institution’s workshops, laboratories, studios, and Information and Communication Technology facilities to acquire practical and entrepreneurial skills capable of preparing them for leadership and self-reliance.
While stressing the institution’s zero tolerance for indiscipline, he warned against cultism, examination malpractice, bullying, and drug abuse, stating that offenders risk expulsion and possible prosecution.
“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in this institution,” he warned.
The Rector also reminded students of the institution’s academic requirements, including the mandatory 75 per cent class attendance stipulated by both the institution and the National Board for Technical Education.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, urged the students to comply strictly with the institution’s rules and regulations, noting that ignorance of the Students’ Handbook would not excuse misconduct.
He advised the students to remain focused throughout their academic journey and contribute positively to the institution’s culture of excellence and innovation.
