By DAYO ADESULU
LAGOS, Nigeria – The newly established Federal University of Science and Technology (FUSTECH) has initiated discussions with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to forge a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening science and technology education, research, laboratory development, and manpower training.
The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the management team of FUSTECH, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Adeola Oshikoya, to YABATECH in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Oshikoya said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote technology-based education and innovation across the country’s tertiary institutions.
According to him, the visit was carried out on the directive of the Minister of Education to encourage stronger collaboration among federal higher institutions.
He described YABATECH as one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions whose wealth of experience, infrastructure, and academic achievements could provide valuable support to FUSTECH as it prepares to commence full academic operations.
“We considered it appropriate for a new institution like FUSTECH to pay homage to one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions. Beyond that, we are here to identify areas of collaboration that will help us achieve the mandate entrusted to us by the Federal Government,” Oshikoya stated.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu established FUSTECH as a specialised institution dedicated to producing graduates equipped with advanced skills in science, technology, and innovation.
He said the university’s mission is to develop globally competitive graduates capable of driving innovation and creating employment opportunities rather than depending on existing jobs.
Oshikoya further disclosed that despite challenges associated with securing a permanent site and developing infrastructure, the institution has made significant progress since its establishment.
According to him, FUSTECH has secured approximately N4 billion in TETFund intervention funds for the construction of laboratories, ICT facilities, faculty buildings, and a university library. He added that an additional N2 billion was facilitated by the Minister of Education for the construction of male and female hostels.
However, he noted that delays in land acquisition and documentation have compelled the university to seek temporary arrangements and partnerships with nearby institutions.
As part of the proposed partnership, FUSTECH is seeking access to YABATECH’s laboratories for practical training, library facilities, student accommodation support, security collaboration, and academic expertise.
“We are looking at ways through which our students can benefit from existing facilities while we continue developing our permanent campus. We believe institutions should work together in advancing national educational goals,” he added.
Responding, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, commended the initiative and described it as a model that could strengthen Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Abdul praised FUSTECH for prioritising partnerships with institutions within Nigeria rather than focusing solely on international collaborations.
“In Nigeria, we often see institutions looking far beyond their immediate environment for collaborations while overlooking opportunities around them. What FUSTECH is doing is commendable and represents the way forward for tertiary education development,” he said.
The Rector assured the visiting delegation that YABATECH would carefully review the areas of collaboration proposed by FUSTECH and explore mutually beneficial opportunities.
“We are open to collaboration and partnership. Once we identify areas where we can support one another for the advancement of education and national development, we will gladly work together,” Abdul stated.
He noted that the proposed alliance is consistent with YABATECH’s commitment to promoting partnerships that enhance teaching, research, innovation, skills acquisition, and institutional growth.
Education stakeholders believe the engagement could pave the way for a formal partnership agreement between the two institutions, supporting broader efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education to deepen cooperation among federal tertiary institutions and accelerate the growth of science, technology, and innovation-driven education in Nigeria.
-
-
-
-
