The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Prof. Funsho Afolabi, has underscored the importance of skills development and interactive sessions as essential tools for addressing societal challenges, complementing traditional theoretical knowledge.
Prof. Afolabi made this assertion during the college’s maiden edition of ‘A Day with our Industry Partners’, a programme organized by the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships, and International Relations. The event aimed to foster collaboration between academia and industry while providing mentorship opportunities for students.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Prof. Afolabi emphasized that the call for skills development is not intended to undermine theoretical knowledge but to enhance it. He highlighted YABATECH’s reputation as a leading institution in Nigeria’s technical and vocational education space, excelling in areas such as ICT, Geo-informatics, and skills development.
“To build on this success and avoid stagnation, we are diversifying our approach, seeking to innovate, exchange knowledge, and strengthen partnerships with industries,” Afolabi stated.
Rector Calls for Stronger Industry-Academia Ties
In his remarks, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, explained that the event’s goal was to strengthen linkages between academia and industry. He stressed the importance of creating a mutually beneficial relationship where both the college and its industry partners contribute to each other’s development.
“We want skills, mentorship, and pathways for our students to gain hands-on industry experience before they graduate,” Dr. Abdul said. He also highlighted the need for curriculum reviews to align with industry practices, suggesting that some courses may need to be renamed or revised to meet sector demands.
Commitment to Global Standards
Dr. Moshood Ajala, Director of the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships, and International Relations, reaffirmed YABATECH’s commitment to transforming education, research, and skills development to meet global standards. He emphasized that strong partnerships are crucial for bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering knowledge exchange, and creating opportunities for students.
“We call for continued dialogue and innovative ideas that could lead to actionable outcomes benefiting both academia and industry,” Ajala said