The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, (YABATECH), Mr Funso Afolabi, has called on leaders of polytechnics and colleges of technology across the country to deepen collaboration, innovation and governance in order to reposition technical and vocational education for national development.

Afolabi made the call while addressing the Council of Heads of Colleges of Technology and Allied Institutions (COHEADS), hosted by YABATECH.

Describing the gathering as a timely platform, Afolabi said the meeting provided an avenue for dialogue, policy formulation, collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas among institutional leaders committed to advancing technical education.

He noted that the technical education sub-sector is currently confronted with numerous challenges, including funding, rapid technological advancement, quality assurance concerns, graduate employability and demands of the fourth Industrial Revolution.

He stressed that only collective action and stronger institutional partnerships can effectively address these realities.

Afolabi also commended the growing call for greater collaboration among Nigerian institutions.

He noted that while many institutions actively pursue international partnerships, equal attention should be given to building robust local collaborations capable of driving research, innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable national development.

“We must continue to strengthen collaboration, promote excellence in governance, embrace innovation and ensure that our graduates possess the knowledge, skills, values and entrepreneurial competencies required to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy,” he stated.

The council chairman reaffirmed YABATECH’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, inclusive partnerships and character development.

He added that the institution would continue to support initiatives that improve the quality, relevance and global competitiveness of technical and professional education in Nigeria

He further applauded the leadership of COHEADS for sustaining an important platform that promotes professional engagement, strategic policy dialogue and collective problem-solving within the country’s technical education ecosystem.

Afolabi urged delegates at the meeting to take advantage of the deliberations to exchange experiences, identify practical solutions to common institutional challenges, and develop recommendations that would strengthen technical institutions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Also speaking at the event, the Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the hosting of the COHEADS meeting as a privilege for Nigeria’s foremost institution of technical and technological education.