The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) on Thursday matriculated 17,130 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, charging the fresh students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and steer clear of cultism and other anti-social behaviours.
The Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed that the institution received 24,655 applications, out of which 17,130 candidates were successfully admitted into its National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, and B.Sc Education programmes after a rigorous screening process.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the institution currently runs an academic affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which allows it to offer Bachelor of Science in Education programmes on its campus. Under the arrangement, UNN oversees curriculum accreditation, moderates examinations, and awards the degrees.
Dr. Abdul described the newly admitted students as future leaders and change-makers whose education at YABATECH would shape their character, career paths, and contributions to national and global development.
“The nation looks to your generation for solutions in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Yabatech is ready to equip you through determination, discipline, and unwavering academic focus,” he said.
He further announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the institution’s upgrade to a Technical and Vocational University, describing the development as a major milestone that strengthens skills-based education and supports national goals on youth empowerment, job creation, and economic diversification.
“This landmark milestone strategically strengthens skills-based education, innovation and industrial development, while supporting government’s drive for youth empowerment, job creation and economic diversification nationwide.”
The rector cautioned students against cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, and bullying, warning that involvement in such activities would attract expulsion and possible prosecution.
He urged the students to maintain discipline and pursue academic excellence.
“Choose honour, discipline, and academic excellence; the opportunities before you are enormous.
He also encouraged them to join approved student associations and professional bodies to build leadership skills and networks.
“We have strengthened industry-academia partnerships with leading organisations, expanded digital infrastructure, secured substantial research grants, and produced innovations such as the PlastoGas Hub that have attracted international recognition.
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“Make full use of our workshops, laboratories, studios, and ICT facilities.
“Regular lecture attendance is mandatory; you must attain the minimum 75 per cent class attendance required by the institution and the NBTE,” Abdul said.
Speaking at the same event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, urged the newly admitted students of the university to uphold discipline, innovation, and academic excellence.
He was represented by Prof. Catherine Ogbuanya, Dean of Vocational Studies at UNN, who noted that their admission reflected merit, perseverance, and a commitment to societal development through education.
Ortuanya encouraged the students to remain focused and purposeful, citing Nelson Mandela’s words.
“As you stand on this historic threshold, remember Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. You must therefore pursue knowledge, integrity and purposeful leadership diligently.
He also warned against examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the university maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline.
He further encouraged the students to embrace critical thinking, research, entrepreneurship, and holistic development for global relevance.
“Martin Luther King Jr. stated that ‘intelligence plus character is the goal of true education,. We are committed to producing graduates distinguished in learning, innovation, discipline, integrity and service to humanity,” he added.