The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has urged graduates of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to utilize knowledge gained from the institution to serve humanity and remain exemplary citizens.
Mamman gave the advice on Thursday in his address to 7,717 graduating students at the combined 35th Convocation and 76th anniversary of the institution, held in the institution’s Philip Adegbile Sports Complex.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of Fellowship Awards on three outstanding Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
The awardees are, a former first lady of Lagos State and matriarch of the Otedola dynasty; Lady Christine Otedola, the first President, Nigeria Labour Congress; Hassan Sunmonu, and an accomplished administrator, Prof. Babagana Zulum,
Mamman called on stakeholders and industrialists to complement government initiatives through contributions to research, structure development, scholarships for underprivileged students, capacity building and graduate employment.
“This partnership will significantly augment the accomplishments facilitated by agencies like TETFund, PTDF and International Development Partners.
“A four-year strategic plan is underway as a roadmap for the development of the sector; a crucial step in this direction was the Federal Government-organized National Stakeholders Workshop held on Oct. 19, poised to reshape the future of education in Nigeria.
“We collectively recognize the pivotal role of science and technology education in national growth as a primary driver; the polytechnic sub-sector occupies a central position in our quest for technology development,” he added.
The minister also urged the college management to respond creatively to contemporary challenges, foster innovation, and fabricate tools for agriculture and manufacturing industries.
He charged the management of tertiary institutions generally to take decisive measures to eliminate social vices such as cultism and exam malpractice, among others, on campuses.
Mamman, represented by, The Director, Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Education, Ezonebi Azorbo said the vices threaten the aspiration of building world-class institutions and nurturing enduring professionals.
Earlier, The Rector YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul described the institution as a national heritage. adding that the college had zero tolerance for cultism and other social vices.
He said that the management endeavored to produce graduates who would be self-reliant and innovative.
“It is my firm belief that all the graduates, and indeed all in attendance, have been well impacted and empowered to be competent and skilled entrepreneurs that would affect the growth of our country,” the rector said.
He gave the breakdown of the performance of the 2021–2022 academic session (full-time and part-time) set as 254 (distinction), 1,893 (upper credit division), 3,940 (lower credit), and 1630 were in the pass grade category.
