The leadership of Yaba College of Technology has appealed to alumni across Nigeria and abroad to actively support the institution’s ongoing transition into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies, describing alumni involvement as vital to the success of the ambitious transformation project.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the YABATECH Alumni Association held at the Emmanuel Unachukwu Hall in Lagos.
Speaking through Dr. Maruf Adebakin, Governing Council Chairman Prof. Funsho Afolabi said the institution had reached a defining stage in its development and required the collective commitment, expertise and influence of its graduates to achieve its long-term vision. According to him, the College has already begun implementing strategic initiatives designed to position it for a smooth transition into a specialised university focused on technology and vocational studies.
“The College stands at a critical point in its history, and the support of the Alumni Association has become more important than ever. We need an Alumni Association that will deploy its intellectual resources, professional expertise, national influence and global networks to support the institution,” he said.
Afolabi encouraged alumni members to use their positions in government, academia, industry and the private sector to attract partnerships, facilitate interventions and support policies that would accelerate institutional growth.
He also urged graduates to contribute development projects and leverage their networks to strengthen the College’s transformation agenda. The Governing Council Chairman further stressed the importance of unity within the alumni body, warning that internal divisions could slow progress at a time when collective action is needed most.
Afolabi noted that YABATECH remains a landmark institution in Nigeria’s educational history, having produced generations of professionals who have contributed significantly to national development. In his goodwill message, Rector Ibraheem Abdul described the institution as a national asset and a hub for technological excellence that continues to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.
Also speaking, Board of Trustees Chairman Solomon Olawale Ajayi said the institution was approaching a historic milestone and that the alumni association was positioning itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities. National President Yemi Osinbajo added that the AGM was designed to encourage collaboration and collective action aimed at advancing education, innovation and national development.
