Yaba College of Technology, popularly known as YABATECH, was founded in 1947, and is Nigeria's first higher educational institution. It is located in Yaba, Lagos. As of 2008, it had a student enrollment of over 16,000. The college also has a secondary school and a staff primary school.
Overview
Yaba College of Technology was established in 1947 as a successor to Yaba Higher College. It attained autonomous status in 1969 by virtue of Decree 23, which granted it the mandate to provide full-time and part-time courses of instruction and training in:
- Technology
- Applied science
- Commerce and management
- Agricultural production and distribution
- Research
YABATECH is the first higher institution in Nigeria to establish a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, with strong linkages to the world of commerce and industry. This centre offers compulsory courses that all students must take during their stay.
Academic Support & Innovation Units
- Quality Assurance Unit: Ensures high academic service standards.
- Applied Research and Technology Innovation (ARTI) Unit: Promotes research and partnerships with private sector organizations. It also supports collaboration with other institutions.
Facilities
- Medical Centre: Offers free medical services 24/7.
- Sports Complex: Located at the campus center. The college has won the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association championship five times out of sixteen editions.
- Epe Campus: Hosts the Department of Agricultural Technology and the Michael Otedola Information and Communication Centre.
Leadership
YABATECH has been led by the following principals and rectors:
- Dr E.A. Akinleye – Principal (1970–1975)
- Mr G.M. Okufi – Rector (1975–1985)
- Dr Philip Adegbile – Rector (1985–1993)
- Mrs F.A. Odugbesan – Rector (1993–2001)
- Mr Olubunmi Owoso – Rector (2001–2009)
- Dr (Mrs) M.K. Ladipo – Rector (2009–2017)
- Engr. Obafemi Owoseni Omokungbe – Rector (2018–2023)
- Mr. Uduak Iyang Udoh – Ag. Rector (Jan–May 2023)
- Dr (Engr) Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul – Current Rector
Note: The name briefly changed to Federal Polytechnic Yaba in 1979 but reverted to Yaba College of Technology in 1980.
Courses and Programmes
YABATECH consists of:
- Eight schools
- Thirty-four academic departments
- Sixty-four accredited programmes (ND, HND, Post-HND)
- Certificate courses
Additional Programmes
- B.Sc. (Ed) in Technical and Vocational Education (in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Engineering (in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology, Akure)
Student population: ~15,000
Staff strength: ~1,600
New Courses (Approved in April 2015)
- HND in Mass Communication
- HND in Banking and Finance
- HND in Metallurgy Engineering
- ND in Welding and Fabrication
- ND in Public Administration
Security Programme Initiative (June 2019)
YABATECH partnered with a Nigerian security solutions company to launch a Security Management Certification Programme, targeting aspiring and existing security managers.
Library
The YABATECH Library is the academic hub of the college, with a vast collection of print and non-print resources that support staff, students, and the broader college community.
Yabatech Radio (89.3 MHz FM)
The official campus radio station was launched under Engr. Femi Omokungbe's administration. It serves:
- The YABATECH community
- Neighboring communities
- Students of Mass Communication (training ground)
The station broadcasts local programming, music, news, weather, and market updates.
Notable Alumni
- Olusegun Adejumo – Visual artist
- Josy Ajiboye – Cartoonist
- Adebanji Alade – President, Royal Institute of Oil Painters
- Ayodeji Balogun – Entrepreneur and CEO
- Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Actress
- Fecko – Musician
- Gbenga Ibikunle – Economist
- Ruth Kadiri – Actress and film producer
- Kaffy – Dancer
- Jide Kosoko – Actor and director
- Bidemi Olaoba – Gospel singer
- Tim Owhefere – Politician
- Niyi Akinmolayan – Filmmaker
Architecture and Monuments
- Main Campus: Yaba, Lagos
- Second Campus: Epe
See Also
References
(To be added: Relevant government and institutional citations)
External Links
- Official Website(https://www.yabatech.edu.ng)
- Wikimedia Commons Media on YABATECH(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:YabaCollegeof_Technology)
- YABATECH on African Studies Center(#)