YABATECH partners with NATE to strengthen engineering capacity

Education, Technology

LAGOS, NIGERIA, April 4, 2026 (Agency Report) — Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) aimed at boosting the capacity of engineering practitioners and advancing technical education in Nigeria.

The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by NATE officials to the institution on Monday. He described the collaboration as mutually beneficial and critical to bridging the gap between academic training and professional practice.

“We are partners in progress, and this collaboration will continue to strengthen the link between training and professional practice,” Abdul said, stressing that sustained cooperation among stakeholders was essential to reposition Nigeria’s engineering and technology sector for global relevance.

He assured the association of YABATECH’s continued support, noting that the institution remained committed to partnerships that enhance student development and improve the quality of graduates.

Earlier, NATE’s National General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ibidapo, said the partnership would focus on an equipment training workshop scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. The initiative, he explained, is designed to improve competence in equipment handling, safety practices, and laboratory procedures.

“With rapid technological changes, continuous training and retraining are essential for professional growth and global competitiveness,” Ibidapo said, adding that a joint committee would oversee the planning and implementation of the workshop in collaboration with YABATECH’s School of Engineering.

He commended the institution for aligning with global best practices, particularly its efforts toward meeting requirements for the Sydney Accord. He noted that YABATECH had taken the lead in Nigeria by introducing induction and oath-taking ceremonies for graduating students — a key requirement for international recognition.

The Dean of the School of Engineering, Mr. Titus Koledoye, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that continuous knowledge updating was vital given the dynamic nature of technology.

“Our environment at YABATECH is centred on training, and initiatives like this are critical. We do not take them for granted,” Koledoye said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaboration is expected to bridge skill gaps and promote best practices in engineering training and professional practice nationwide.