By Omowunmi Sanni

The management of the newly established Federal University of Science and Technology (FUSTECH), Epe, Lagos, is seeking collaboration with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to advance science education, research, laboratory development and manpower support as part of efforts to actualise the federal government’s technology-driven learning agenda.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kazeem Oshikoya, who disclosed this during his visit to the college, noted that YABATECH has a long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions, with established infrastructure, technical expertise and institutional experience that can support the successful commencement of academic activities at the new university.

“We considered it appropriate for a new institution like FUSTECH to pay homage to one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions. Beyond that, we have come to explore areas of collaboration that will enable us to fulfil our mandate,” he said.

Oshikoya noted that FUSTECH was established as a specialised institution to produce graduates with cutting-edge competencies in science, technology and innovation.

According to him, the mandate is to train students who can compete globally and are equipped to create jobs rather than rely solely on formal employment.

Providing insight into the institution’s progress since its establishment, Oshikoya disclosed that the university secured intervention funding of about N4 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for critical infrastructure, including laboratories, information and telecommunications technology facilities, faculty buildings and a university library.

However, he noted that delays in land acquisition and documentation processes have slowed the pace of physical development on the permanent site.

To address this, he said the university is making interim arrangements and seeking partnerships with neighbouring institutions that already have functional facilities.

Responding, the Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, welcomed the initiative and commended FUSTECH management for prioritising collaboration with a neighbouring institution.

He contrasted this with the common practice of Nigerian institutions seeking partnerships only with foreign universities, while ignoring opportunities in their immediate environment.

Abdul described FUSTECH’s approach as a progressive model that should be embraced across the institutions.

He stressed that institutional cooperation remains essential for sustainable educational development and for maximising the use of available resources.