The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), yesterday, formally admitted 17,130 students into its 2025/2026 academic session, with the Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul describing the event as the start of a journey that will shape future leaders, innovators and change-makers for Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.

Addressing the new students shortly after administering the matriculation oath, Abdul said the ceremony marked a defining milestone for the candidates selected from 24,655 applicants who applied for admission across B.Sc (Ed), Higher National Diploma (HND)and National Diploma (ND) programmes.

“In the B.Sc (Ed) category, 655 candidates applied, out of which 555 were offered admission into the School of Technical Education. For HND, 6,274 candidates applied, while 5,551 were admitted. At the ND level, 17,726 candidates applied and 11,024 were admitted after successful performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the college’s screening exercise,” Abdul stated.

Speaking directly to the matriculating students, Abdul stated that by taking the oath, they were formally entering a community renowned for excellence, innovation, and the production of graduates who are academically sound, industry-ready and globally competitive.

He then outlined the core values expected of the new students, urging them to uphold discipline in appearance and conduct, maintain academic commitment with at least 75 per cent class attendance as required by the institution and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and focus on the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills.

“At YABATECH, we emphasise both theoretical knowledge and hands-on competencies. You will benefit from entrepreneurship education, skill acquisition programmes, digital training, and exposure to global best practices,” he said.

He also encouraged the students to use the workshops, laboratories, studios as well as information and communication technology (ICT) facilities and to participate in societies, clubs, sports and religious activities while observing tolerance and mutual respect.

Abdul was firm on discipline, stating that cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in the college.

He warned that any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), Prof Simon Ortuanya, also enjoined the students to adhere strictly to the statutes, rules, regulations and directives of the institution and those of the college, noting that ignorance of the provisions of the Students’ Handbook would not serve as a defence in cases of misconduct.

Ortuanya warned against examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, indecent dressing, sexual harassment, vandalism and other forms of misconduct, stating that such acts constitute a grave breach of the regulations and shall attract sanctions.

“Degrees of this great institution are conferred only on those who distinguish themselves in character and learning. Intelligence plus character: that is the goal of true education,” he stated.

He urged students to prepare for life after graduation by cultivating creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking, describing them as platforms for nurturing innovation and transforming ideas into viable enterprises.