By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) says it will graduate 10,886 students at its 38th convocation, as it awaits further Federal Government processes for its conversion into a university.

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Lagos ahead of the institution’s convocation ceremonies scheduled for Nov. 13 to Nov. 19.

Abdul said that President Bola Tinubu had assented to the bill converting the college into a university, adding that the institution was awaiting the release of the gazette and other administrative processes.

He explained that the next steps would include an institutional assessment by the Federal Ministry of Education and accreditation of academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The rector said that the management had established committees to facilitate the transition, stressing that all necessary administrative and academic requirements must be fulfilled before the proposed university commenced operations.

He said that the 10,886 graduating students comprised 361 distinction holders, 3,160 upper-credit, 5,696 lower-credit and 1,669 pass recipients across full-time, part-time and flexible learning programmes.

Abdul said that the overall best Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) graduates emerged from the Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics departments, respectively, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.98 each.

He described the 38th convocation as an important milestone in the institution’s history, providing an opportunity to celebrate the intellectual commitment, resilience and hard work of the graduating students.

The convocation lecture, with the theme, “From Silos to Synergy: Reimagining Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System for National Transformation,” will be delivered by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Nov. 18.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, will chair the lecture.

Abdul said that the theme would explore ways of strengthening collaboration among tertiary institutions, government and industry to promote research, innovation and skills development.

He reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing technically competent, intellectually sound and ethically responsible graduates capable of addressing emerging societal challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the grand finale on Nov. 19 will feature the award of diplomas, certificates and prizes, as well as the conferment of honorary fellowship awards on three distinguished Nigerians.

The recipients are the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; and a YABATECH alumna, Mrs Itunu Omotayo.

Abdul said that the honours were in recognition of their contributions to education and society. (NAN)

MIL/YO

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Edited by Yunus Yusuf