By DAYO ADESULU

Nigeria’s premier technical institution, Yaba College of Technology, has matriculated 17,130 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with a strong warning against cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse and other social vices.

The institution’s Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, gave the charge during the colourful matriculation ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday.

Addressing the newly admitted students, the Rector described the matriculation as the beginning of a new academic and professional journey in what he called “Nigeria’s premier institution for technical and vocational education.”

He urged the fresh students to embrace discipline, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic excellence throughout their stay in the institution.

“Today marks a defining milestone in your lives. By this matriculation, you are formally admitted into a community renowned for excellence, innovation and the production of graduates who are academically sound, industry-ready and globally competitive,” he stated.

Over 24,000 Candidates Applied for Admission

Speaking on the admission statistics, Abdul disclosed that the institution received 24,655 applications for the 2025/2026 academic session, out of which 17,130 candidates secured admission after a rigorous screening process.

According to him, 655 candidates applied for the B.Sc Education programmes, while 555 gained admission into the School of Technical Education.

He further revealed that 6,274 candidates applied for the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, with 5,551 candidates admitted.

In the National Diploma (ND) category, the Rector said 17,726 candidates applied through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, while 11,024 candidates eventually gained admission after the institution’s screening exercise.

The Rector explained that the selection process was intentionally rigorous to ensure that only qualified and competent students were admitted into the college.

YABATECH Highlights Transition to Technical University

During the ceremony, Abdul also highlighted several milestones achieved by the institution under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described the Federal Government’s approval for the conversion of the 78-year-old institution into a Technical and Vocational University as a major turning point in the history of the college and Nigeria’s educational development.

According to him, the development aligns with the country’s growing focus on skills acquisition, industrial growth and entrepreneurship-driven education.

The Rector noted that the institution had continued to expand its digital infrastructure, strengthen research development and deepen industry collaboration.

He specifically mentioned the internationally recognised PlastoGas Hub project as one of the institution’s innovative achievements aimed at promoting practical solutions and sustainable development.

Abdul added that the institution had secured research grants and built partnerships with leading organisations to equip students with entrepreneurial and technological skills needed for national development.

Fresh Students Told to Focus on Practical Skills

The Rector encouraged the matriculating students to maximise the use of the institution’s workshops, laboratories, ICT centres and studios in order to gain practical knowledge and become globally competitive.

He stressed that YABATECH remained committed to producing graduates who create employment opportunities rather than merely seeking jobs.

The students were also advised to participate actively in extracurricular activities while respecting religious and cultural diversity on campus.

Abdul reminded the fresh students that regular lecture attendance remained compulsory, noting that both the institution and the National Board for Technical Education require a minimum of 75 per cent attendance before students can sit for examinations.

Strong Warning Against Cultism and Social Vices

On campus ethics and security, the Rector warned the students against involvement in cultism, examination malpractice, bullying, drug abuse and other forms of misconduct.

He stated that the institution would not tolerate any form of indiscipline and warned that students caught engaging in cult-related activities risk expulsion and prosecution.

“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in Yabatech. Choose the path of honour,” he warned.

Abdul, however, assured the students that the institution had functional support structures to assist them throughout their academic journey.

These, according to him, include counselling services, welfare committees, quality assurance units and student representation in institutional committees.

Stakeholders Attend Ceremony

The matriculation ceremony attracted members of the Governing Council, representatives of the National Board for Technical Education, officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, principal officers of the institution, members of the Academic Board, parents, guardians and other education stakeholders.

The event also reflected the institution’s renewed commitment to technical education, innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future industrial and economic growth.

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