The Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) says it has produced more than 50,000 graduates to close the skills gap in the country in its 70 years existence. Dr Margaret Ladipo, who is the 11th Rector of the college, told a media briefing on the 70th anniversary of the institution and the 2017 convocation on Thursday in Lagos.
A total of 7,021 graduating students, comprising of 2,560 with Higher National Diploma and 6,461 National Diploma students will be awarded certificates on Oct. 19. Established by the colonial masters in 1947, the institution was known as Yaba Technical Institute. Ladipo said it was time to roll out the drums for the 70 years of producing skilled and self-reliant graduates for the country.
She said the institution which was established in 1947 with only 400 students, now has more than 25,000 students enrolment with about 70 accredited programmes. “The college started with the training of artisans but has transformed into the best college of technology in the country. “I am glad to announce to you that the college is 70-years-old; the story of this great institution is brighter and it is testimony about that life is not its length but its quality.
“These past 70 years, we have concentrated only on the things that are truly important; investing in human capital and it is the time to roll out the drums to thank God,’’ said a jubilant rector. Ladipo highlighted activities lined up for the anniversary including Jumat service and inter-denominational service, a national workshop by the alumni association on “Business Financing in a Growing Economy” and a convocation lecture entitled, “Repositioning Science and Technology Education in Nigeria for Global Relevance’’.
The rector described the college as a brand name that had remained the best in the technical and vocational education. “This college has produced many great personalities like the late retired Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo among others; so, YabaTech has impacted on this country and all over the world,’’ she said.
Ladipo added:“The anniversary has a vital message which is most attractively set forth, it is that ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’. “For Yaba the Great, it has been a long tortuous journey through rough winds and swelling tides. “It is not in vain that other institutions look with reverence in the direction of the college as a patriarch.’’
SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/yabatech-produced-50000-graduates-70-years-says-rector/
