By Sodiq Adelakun
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has introduced a multi-dimensional strategy aimed at preparing students for academic achievement and future employment opportunities.
This forward-thinking approach aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework and focuses on equipping students with both academic knowledge and practical, industry-specific skills.
Alade Oloruntobi, the Manager of the Skills Development Centre at YABATECH, shared in an interview that the institution is committed to ensuring that its students are well-prepared for the evolving job market. He stressed that the college integrates traditional academic learning with practical and digital competencies, making sure students are equipped with skills that align with industry demands.
“We remain focused on preparing our students for the ever-changing labour market by combining academic education with practical, industry-relevant, and digital competencies,” Oloruntobi stated.
As part of its strategy, YABATECH has launched several key initiatives, including the Skills-In-Demand (SID) Training programme. Originally introduced as a pilot project in 2021, the programme expanded to full-scale implementation in 2023. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on, competency-based training in areas crucial to today’s job market.
In addition, the college has established the Flexible Skills Development Centre, which bridges the gap between academic learning and industry expectations by offering practical, competency-based training.
YABATECH has also formed partnerships with national and international development organisations and industry leaders to improve the employability of its graduates. One of the notable collaborations is with the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership, a gender-responsive initiative supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and managed by UNICEF.
This programme focuses on providing female adolescents with digital skills in areas such as website development, mobile app development, computer hardware, and mobile phone repairs.
Oloruntobi explained, “Through this programme, YABATECH is promoting digital inclusion and supporting gender equity in tech-based job opportunities.”
Additionally, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, recently inaugurated the YABATECH Digital Technology Academy. This state-of-the-art platform offers an intensive 12-week training course, followed by an additional four weeks dedicated to project implementation, further equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the digital economy.