The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has reaffirmed that the institution’s planned upgrade to a full university is still progressing as scheduled.
He gave the assurance on Thursday during the matriculation ceremony for 17,130 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, noting that the Federal Government’s approval for the conversion of the 79-year-old institution into a university of technology and vocational education has advanced significantly, with legislative procedures currently underway at the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu had approved the transition of YABATECH into a university in February 2025, a development the rector described as a continuation of an earlier official announcement.
According to him, the process is still active and has not been concluded.
“The announcement is not new. I am just reiterating it to the new students that the President has approved our conversion to a university.
The minister himself made the announcement last year and I want to assure everyone that it is on course,” he said.
Dr Abdul clarified that despite the ongoing transition process, the institution would continue to function as a polytechnic until all required approvals and accreditation procedures are completed by the National Universities Commission.
“These are not our last set of students as a college because there are still processes to follow. The NUC has to approve our courses before degree programmes can commence.
We will continue our admissions as a polytechnic while the transition progresses,” he said.
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He also outlined ongoing and planned development projects aimed at supporting the institution’s future university status, including major infrastructure expansion efforts.
According to him, the Federal Government has approved a N5bn take-off intervention fund for a 13-storey building project within the campus, alongside an additional N2bn allocated for faculty development initiatives.
He further revealed that expansion work is ongoing at the Epe campus, in addition to new hostel and academic facility developments in Yaba.
A Presidential Initiative hostel project expected to provide 1,500 bed spaces has also been approved.
Dr Abdul added that new academic units, including the Faculty of Health Technology and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, are set to be introduced.
Out of 24,655 applicants, the institution admitted 17,130 students for the new academic session, he disclosed.
Addressing the fresh students, the rector urged them to uphold discipline, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit while warning against misconduct.
“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in Yabatech. Any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution,” he said.