YABATECH partners Raotech to establish AI, Robotics innovation hub

To advance technology-driven education, innovation and human capacity development, the management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raotech IT Electro-mechanical Limited to establish an Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Innovation Hub.

The agreement, facilitated through the institution’s Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations, is expected to strengthen academia-industry collaboration, expand innovation opportunities for students and staff, and position the college at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Ibraheem Abdul, the rector of YABATECH, speaking during the signing ceremony at the college, described the partnership as timely and strategic, stressing the institution’s readiness to take immediate action toward implementation.

Abdul emphasised that the establishment of the hub would help prepare students for global opportunities in AI, robotics and digital innovation, while also enhancing the institution’s competitiveness in technology and research.

“The college must move quickly to take advantage of innovation funding opportunities available to students and institutions globally.

“Now that we have the MoU signed, all necessities should commence. We are ready for action and we want to work together to achieve results,” Abdul said.

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Moshood Ajala, the director of the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations, said the agreement aligns with the centre’s mandate to facilitate the establishment of science, technology and business incubation hubs within the institution.

Ajala explained that the proposed hub would serve as a platform for training, innovation, certification and entrepreneurship development in AI and robotics.

He added that the initiative would also provide micro-credential certification opportunities for students and professionals, while opening new streams of internally generated revenue for the college through innovation-based projects and commercial partnerships.

“We agreed on this because with that hub, we can actually reach out to many of our schools.

“AI and robotics is no longer limited to computer science or engineering alone. It is a field that cuts across disciplines,” he said.

The director further disclosed that the agreement contains a revenue-sharing framework that would support the sustainability and maintenance of the centre, while also ensuring benefits for all collaborating parties.

Oluwadamilare Olanrewaju, founder and chief executive officer of Raotech IT Electromechanical Limited, said the company had spent the last 15 years developing young talents in technology and innovation.

Olanrewaju explained that the organisation’s vision was inspired by successful innovation ecosystems built around robotics and emerging technologies in leading global institutions.

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He said the company was committed to supporting YABATECH in building a globally competitive AI and robotics ecosystem capable of empowering students and driving technological advancement.

“This is part of what we have been doing for the past 15 years – training and developing people. We are here to help the school and support the next generation of innovators,” he stated.

He added that the company had previously facilitated collaborations between YABATECH and international and local technology organisations, including autoreg and semicolon, while also providing internship, industrial training and employment opportunities for students of the institution.