Tinubu pledges funding, support for tertiary education

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to provide the enabling environment for productivity in tertiary institutions through funding and infrastructure support.

Tinubu disclosed this at the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). A total of 8,139 students of the 2022/2023 set graduated at the occasion.

Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmed, the President charged YABATECH management to do more to encourage impactful education that would bring about sustainable development.

“The college’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among students has greatly enhanced the country’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance,” Tinubu stated.

He advised the graduands to build on the strong foundation of the college and leverage acquired skills for professional growth and impacts.

According to him, the skills gained at the institution are not just tools for personal advancement, but also instruments for national growth and transformation.

“You are equipped to not only succeed, but lead and inspire, making meaningful contributions across various domains, including science, technology, commerce, environmental design, art, agriculture and entrepreneurship.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed that a bill to address the age-long issue of dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree holders was underway, saying there must be equal opportunity for all.

The ceremony also featured conferment of honourary fellowship of YABATECH on the speaker, represented by Mr. Fuad Laguda, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Tertiary Institutions.

In her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who was also conferred with the honourary fellowship, announced a N50 million endowment fund for the college to support the best graduating female student.

According to her, Nigeria needs to support education of the girl-child and remove barriers on her path.

The institution’s Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the ceremony as a testament to hard work, resilience and vision, charging the graduands to be curious, bold and ethical.

“As you step out into a world that is rapidly changing, realise that it is a world driven by technology, innovation and insatiable hunger for progress. The world is not waiting for you; it is challenging you,” Abdul stated.

He disclosed that of the graduating students, 316 bagged distinction; 2, 381 bagged upper credit, 3,939 got lower credit while 1,503 graduated with pass.

The Chairman of Council, Prof. Funso
Afolabi, enjoined the graduating students to make maximum use of skills, knowledge and values gained from the institution.

Adeoye Samsudeen of the School of Electrical Engineering got the award for the overall best student at HND level, while Dhikrullahi Ishola of the School of Civil Engineering was awarded at the National Diploma level.