FUSTECH partners YABATECH to advance science, tech education

The Federal University of Science and Technology (FUSTECH) has sought strategic collaboration with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in key areas of science education, research, laboratory development and manpower support to advance federal government’s technology-driven education agenda.

Kazeem Oshikoya, the vice-chancellor of FUSTECH, made this known during a courtesy visit to YABATECH in Lagos, stating that the visit was undertaken on the directive of the minister of education to foster cooperation among federal tertiary institutions.

“The visit was both symbolic and strategic, YABATECH is a trailblazing institution whose experience and infrastructure could support the successful commencement of academic activities at FUSTECH.

“We considered it appropriate for a new institution like FUSTECH to pay homage to one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions. Beyond that, we have come to explore areas of collaboration that will enable us to fulfil the mandate given to us by the federal government,” Oshikoya said.

The vice-chancellor explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration established FUSTECH as a specialised institution focused on producing graduates with cutting-edge competencies in science, technology and innovation, capable of competing globally and creating jobs rather than seeking them.

Oshikoya noted that the minister of education had specifically directed the university to develop programmes in emerging areas of science and technology that would contribute significantly to national development and economic transformation.

Providing insight into the university’s journey since its establishment, Oshikoya said FUSTECH had made considerable progress despite challenges relating to permanent site allocation and infrastructure development.

He disclosed that the institution had secured significant intervention funding, including about N4 billion from TETFund for critical infrastructure such as laboratories, ICT facilities, faculty buildings and a university library, as well as an additional N2 billion facilitated by the minister for the construction of male and female hostels.

However, he noted that delays associated with land acquisition and documentation had necessitated interim arrangements and partnerships with neighbouring institutions.

The vice-chancellor said the university was exploring collaboration with YABATECH in areas including access to laboratories for practical training, utilisation of library resources, student accommodation, security support and the sharing of academic expertise.

“We are looking at ways through which our students can benefit from existing facilities while we continue developing our permanent campus. We believe institutions should work together in advancing national educational goals,” he stated.

Ibraheem Abdul, the rector of Yaba College of Technology, welcomed the initiative and commended the FUSTECH management

for prioritising collaboration with neighbouring institutions rather than seeking partnerships solely with foreign universities.

Abdul described the move as a progressive model that should be embraced across the Nigerian higher education system, stressing that institutional cooperation remained essential for sustainable educational development.

“In Nigeria, we often see institutions looking far beyond their immediate environment for collaborations while overlooking opportunities around them. What FUSTECH is doing is commendable and represents the way forward for tertiary education development,” the rector said.

He assured the visiting team that YABATECH was prepared to explore mutually beneficial areas of partnership and would carefully examine the requests presented by the university.

“We are open to collaboration and partnership. Once we identify areas where we can support one another for the advancement of education and national development, we will gladly work together,” Abdul said.

The rector further noted that the proposed collaboration aligns with YABATECH’s longstanding commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance teaching, research, innovation, skills development and institutional growth.

The visit, Abdul averred, is expected to pave the way for formal agreements between both institutions as part of broader efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen synergy among federal tertiary institutions and accelerate the development of science, technology and innovation-driven education in Nigeria.