TETFund institutes N1bn centre of excellence in innovative research in YABATECH

By Deborah Onatunde

The Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) has instituted a N1billion Centre of Excellence on Research and Skill Development at Yaba College of Technology.

The event, which took place at Yusud Grilli Auditorium Foyer and College Hall, within the school premises centered on promoting exhibited products, innovation and creativity in the institution.

Attendees of the programme include stakeholders, Directors, Heads of Departments, Chief Lecturers and the newly elected Rector of YABATECH, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe.

The Rector spoke on the need to invest in technical and vocational trainings which would help enhance growth and development in the country.

He lauded the donation by TETCoE towards the success of the programme, affirming that willing students would definitely benefit from the massive opportunity as students get to learn any skill of their interest for two semesters for free.

“This is to invest so much in the technical and vocational training that would bring about growth in the economy. In the institution as ours, it is we decided to introduce this trade fairs a means of competition between schools as well give cash award to encourage the school

“As this is the first time ,other ones that would be coming would include staff, students,so that whatever you do you can innovate. So at YABATECH, we decided to do value added knowledge. If you are in the civil engineering department but love fashion you are allowed to take fashion courses for two semester in your ND so that you can be skilled in that.

“The trade fair would display engaging works by both staff and students as we see this as a measure to celebrate Art works at the Center Of Excellence, We also celebrate TetCoE for pulling 1Billion for this exhibition as students willing would benefit from it,” he said.

The Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence, Mr Sheriffdeen Ayodele-Oja, in his speech said the initiative will strengthen the capacity of the institution to deliver quality training and applied result.

“The institution was selected as 1 out of the 6 Polytechnics of the center of excellence in Nigeria to promote skills areas and prioritise quality training and applied results,” he said.

YABATECH students also affirmed that it is another era to be enlightened more on what is needed for the betterment of the institution and country at large.

Meanwhile, the event had on display several items such as wall clocks, candles, liquid soap, pillow, books, shoes, bags, portrait, art works, sculptures, clothes, and other innovative items.