NATE, Yabatech Partner to Bridge Academia-Industry Gap

The National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has announced a strategic partnership with Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) to host the 2025 Technology Conference in Lagos, aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.

The conference, scheduled for Nov. 12–14 at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, will bring together technologists, academics, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the country.

Speaking at the announcement in Lagos on Wednesday, Yabatech Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, described the collaboration as a timely intervention that would address the disconnect between classroom learning and industry demands.

“We are 100 per cent in support of the forthcoming conference by NATE. Being here in Lagos, we are ready to give all possible support to ensure that it is a success,” Abdul said.

He added that Yabatech would provide logistics, mobilise staff for active participation, and leverage its long-standing tradition of technical training to make the programme impactful.

He said the partnership helps erase the idea that graduates lack workplace readiness.

“By collaborating with professionals, we equip graduates to be industry-ready,” he added.

On his part, NATE National General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ibidapo, commended Yabatech for its historic role as the cradle of engineering education in Nigeria, noting that since its establishment in 1948, the institution had championed skill-based training.

He said the forthcoming conference would provide a platform for technologists to showcase innovative solutions and encourage students to embrace professionalism.

“We want graduates who can stand on their own without waiting for white-collar jobs. This collaboration is about building young technologists who can innovate, produce, and contribute to national development,” he stated.

Ibidapo lamented Nigeria’s dependence on imports, arguing that local innovation must replace reliance on foreign products.

“Our forebears produced engineers who became self-reliant, but today we import what we can make locally. That must change,” he said.

The conference will also feature an exhibition of Nigerian-made machines and innovations, including a coconut de-shelling machine, a castor oil extractor, a butter-making machine, and a tiger nut processing machine.

“These machines are proof that Nigerians can design equipment to solve local problems,” Ibidapo said, stressing that the event would showcase such achievements while inspiring younger technologists.

He emphasised that NATE’s mission was to foster knowledge exchange between professionals and academic institutions, laying the foundation for a culture of innovation, productivity, and industry-academia synergy.

“Our collaboration with Yabatech is not only about this conference but about driving a sustainable culture of innovation and practical problem-solving for Nigeria’s future,” he said.