Afolabi seeks alliance to revive Nigeria’s technical education

Funso Afolabi, chairman of the governing council at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has called on leaders of polytechnics and colleges of technology to deepen collaboration, innovation, and governance to reposition technical and vocational education for national development.

Afolabi made the call while delivering his address at the 162nd regular meeting of the council of heads of Colleges of Technology and Allied Institutions (COHEADS) hosted by Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.

The council chairman, in his address, described the gathering as a timely platform for dialogue, policy formulation, collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas among institutional leaders committed to advancing technical education in Nigeria.

“The nation’s tertiary technical education sector is currently confronted with numerous challenges, including funding constraints, rapid technological advancement, quality assurance concerns, graduate employability and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, stressing that only collective action and stronger institutional partnerships can effectively address these realities,” he said.

Besides,  Afolabi commended the growing call for greater collaboration among Nigerian institutions, noting that while many institutions actively pursue international partnerships, equal attention should be given to building robust local collaborations capable of driving research, innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable national development.

“We must continue to strengthen collaboration, promote excellence in governance, embrace innovation and ensure that our graduates possess the knowledge, skills, values and entrepreneurial competencies required to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy,” he stated.

He reaffirmed YABATECH’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, inclusive partnerships and character development, adding that the institution would continue to support initiatives that improve the quality, relevance and global competitiveness of technical and professional education in Nigeria.

Moreover, he applauded the leadership of COHEAD for sustaining an important platform that promotes professional engagement, strategic policy dialogue and collective problem-solving within the nation’s technical education ecosystem.

He urged delegates to take advantage of the deliberations to exchange experiences, identify practical solutions to common institutional challenges and formulate recommendations that would strengthen technical institutions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Ibraheem Abdul, the rector of Yaba College of Technology, in his address, described the hosting of the COHEAD meeting as a privilege for Nigeria’s foremost institution of technical and technological education.

Abdul emphasised that since its establishment in 1947, YABATECH has remained committed to producing skilled, innovative and industry-ready graduates capable of driving Nigeria’s technological and economic advancement.

He observed that the meeting came at a critical period when institutions must collectively respond to emerging challenges, including digital transformation, industry relevance and the demands of a knowledge-based economy.

The rector also stressed that the time had come for institutions to regard one another as collaborators rather than competitors, urging members of COHEAD to strengthen local partnerships, jointly organise conferences and research exhibitions, share best practices and develop collective solutions to national challenges.

“Nigerian institutions have continued to pursue international collaborations, yet greater benefits could be realised through stronger cooperation among local institutions,” he said.

He reaffirmed YABATECH’s commitment to producing graduates who are technically competent, entrepreneurially minded and globally competitive, while calling on stakeholders to collectively address concerns about graduate employability through deliberate reforms in technical education.

Earlier, the chairman of COHEAD described Yaba College of Technology as a historic institution that has continued to play a pivotal role in the development of skilled manpower, technological innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.

He commended the governing council, management, staff and students of YABATECH for the warm reception and excellent arrangements made for hosting the national gathering.

“The challenges confronting polytechnic education, including quality assurance, funding, infrastructure development, staff capacity building, digital transformation, research, innovation and stronger industry collaboration, require collective commitment and practical solutions,” he noted.

He urged participants to utilise the meeting to review developments within the sector, exchange ideas, formulate strategies and advocate policies that would enhance the attractiveness, relevance and sustainability of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, he emphasised the importance of expanding national and international collaborations, strengthening relationships with professional bodies, promoting innovation and advancing initiatives capable of accelerating industrialisation and economic diversification.