The Ford Foundation has renewed its commitment to a multi-year partnership with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), citing the institution’s track record in arts education as central to ongoing collaboration on youth empowerment and institutional development.
Joy Ehino-Esebo, the foundation’s programme manager, and Omar Ndiaye, the new programme officer, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the institution’s management.
Ndiaye said YABATECH featured prominently in his handover briefing, describing the college as a strategic partner whose work in the arts had drawn notice within the foundation.
“The partnership with YABATECH was one of the first things emphasised during my handover. We believe in long-term partnerships, not one-off projects, and today’s visit is an opportunity to deepen that relationship,” he said.
Besides, he noted that the foundation is reviewing its global strategy following the appointment of a new president, with current priorities spanning gender-based violence prevention, natural resource management, climate justice, democracy, disability inclusion, and the rule of law.
Ndiaye said funding priorities are still being finalised, but the foundation remains open to arts-sector initiatives that align with its objectives.
Esebo, who described YABATECH as a core partner since the collaboration began in 2019, said the Foundation’s model prioritises institutional sustainability over standalone projects.
“We believe young people deserve opportunities and agency, and the arts remain one of the strongest platforms to achieve that.
“Our partnership with YABATECH has been impactful, and we remain friends of the institution,” she said, adding that the foundation would continue exploring collaboration areas beyond the arts,” she said.
Odun Orimolade, curator of the YABATECH Art Museum, who welcomed the delegation, said the museum’s growth since its 2020 establishment gave the foundation direct visibility into outcomes from earlier funding.
Ibraheem Abdul, YABATECH rector, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its sustained support, which he said has been instrumental to the college’s goal of producing globally competitive graduates.
“Our young people are our diamonds. We must continue to polish them by providing opportunities, skills and exposure that will enable them to succeed,” he said.
Moreover, Abdul emphasised that YABATECH is working to upgrade its arts programmes into a full College of Arts and Design, backed by stronger international partnerships.
He said the college is also scaling up staff development, museum operations, and industry linkages to align its curriculum with global labour market needs, while continuing to track the foundation’s evolving priorities for future collaboration in research and innovation.
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