The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, has reiterated the institution’s strong commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and strategic partnerships aimed at driving sustainable national development.
Dr. Abdul made the remarks while receiving the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, who paid an official visit to the institution alongside members of the kingdom’s development and technical committees.
Welcoming the royal delegation, the Rector described the visit as a continuation of earlier engagements during the monarch’s 2025 three-in-one celebration, during which YABATECH pledged support for developmental initiatives in Iyin-Ekiti.
He reaffirmed that the college remains focused on equipping young Nigerians—especially women—with entrepreneurial and vocational skills in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the goal is to produce self-reliant graduates who can become job creators rather than job seekers.
“We are committed to the training of young girls in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition with a view to preparing them for the future and empowering them to become wealth creators,” he said.
Dr. Abdul also highlighted the institution’s ongoing drive to strengthen collaborations with educational institutions and communities nationwide, noting that such partnerships are essential for innovation, capacity building, and socio-economic development.
He commended the Oluyin for his visionary leadership, particularly his role in supporting the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti, adding that the monarch’s development-driven approach has continued to attract confidence from the people.
The Rector further praised the successful inauguration and strong enrolment at the new university, describing it as evidence of public trust in the monarch’s leadership and development agenda.
He noted that YABATECH, which is currently transitioning into the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, is well positioned to contribute more significantly to national development through technical education, research, and innovation.
Dr. Abdul added that the institution is ready to deepen collaboration with the new university and other stakeholders in areas such as tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and community-based development initiatives.
Responding, the Oluyin expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between the kingdom and the institution. He said his visit was aimed at ensuring that discussions translate into practical projects with measurable impact.
The monarch also revealed ongoing efforts by Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom to develop a modern security architecture, expressing optimism that YABATECH’s expertise in technology and innovation could support indigenous solutions to security challenges.
He stressed the importance of partnerships, knowledge sharing, and institutional collaboration in driving community development and national progress.
Also present at the visit was the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe, Adeyemi Adeniyi Owolabi, alongside members of the YABATECH Governing Council, management, academic board, alumni representatives, traditional chiefs, and community leaders.
The visit concluded with discussions on future collaborative projects, including educational exchange programmes, tourism development, and youth-focused innovation initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the institution and the kingdom.
