Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has entered a partnership with the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to strengthen engineering education and professional practice in Nigeria. The collaboration was announced by YABATECH's Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, during a courtesy visit by NATE officials on Monday in Lagos. Abdul described the partnership as vital for aligning academic training with industry needs, stating, "We are partners in progress, and this collaboration will continue to strengthen the link between training and professional practice." He stressed that no single institution can advance the sector alone, calling for sustained stakeholder engagement.
NATE's National General Secretary, Mr Kayode Ibidapo, revealed plans for an equipment training workshop in the last quarter of 2026, aimed at improving competence in equipment handling, safety, and laboratory procedures. He credited YABATECH for pioneering induction and oath-taking ceremonies for engineering graduates, a requirement for the Sydney Accord. Ibidapo said NATE would soon conduct such ceremonies for YABATECH students and urged the institution to support technologists attending the upcoming Conference of Technologists from November 11 to 13 in Port Harcourt. The Dean of the School of Engineering, Mr Titus Koledoye, affirmed the institution's commitment, noting that continuous knowledge updating is essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
YABATECH's move to institutionalise induction ceremonies sets a precedent others have ignored for years. While many institutions talk about global alignment, only a few are meeting tangible benchmarks like the Sydney Accord's requirements. This partnership with NATE doesn't just boost training—it exposes how far behind most Nigerian polytechnics still are. Without broader adoption of such standards, the gap between Nigerian engineering graduates and global expectations will remain wide.
