By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to provide the enabling environment for productivity in tertiary institutions through funding and infrastructure support.

Tinubu made the promise on Thursday at the 36th Convocation Ceremonies of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos.

A total of 8,139 students set of the 2022/2023, graduated at the occasion.

Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmed.

The President charged Yabatech management to do more to encourage impactful education that would bring about sustainable development.

“The college’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among students has greatly enhanced our nation’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance,” he said.

The President advised the graduands to build on the strong foundation of the college and leverage acquired skills for professional growth and impacts.

According to him, the skills gained at Yabatech are not just tools for personal advancement, but also instruments for national growth and transformation.

“You are equipped to not only succeed but lead and inspire, making meaningful contributions across various domains, including science, technology, commerce, environmental design, art, agriculture and entrepreneurship,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said that a bill to eradicate dichotomy between HND and B.sc holders was underway.

He said that there must be equal opportunity for all.

Abbas said, `’We all know what the country will gain by promoting vocational and technical education, this country needs people with skills to raise the nation’s profile technologically.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony also featured conferment of Honorary Fellowship of Yabatech to Abass, who was represented by Mr Fuad Laguda, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Tertiary Institutions.

In her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, who was also conferred with the honorary fellowship, announced a N50 million endowment fund for the college, to support the best graduating female student.

According to her, Nigeria needs to support education of the girl-child and remove barriers on her path.

“When I was in the Senate, my focus was on how to make life better and easier for our young ones, they are our future,” she said.

The First Lady was represented by Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy (Office of the First Lady).

The Rector of Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the ceremony as a testament to hard work, resilience and vision.

He charged the graduands to be curious, bold and be ethical.

“As you step out into a world that is rapidly changing, realise that it is a world driven by technology, innovation and insatiable hunger for progress.

“The world is not waiting for you, it is challenging you.

“Remember, success in the 21st Century is not just about knowledge, it is about adaptability and vision.

“Technology will evolve, industry will transform and the problems of today will give way to challenges of tomorrow,” he added.

The rector said that 316 of the students graduated with distinction; 2, 381 with upper credit, 3,939 with lower credit, and 1,503 with pass.

Prof. Funso Afolabi, the Chairman of Governing Council of Yabatech, lauded the management of the college for achievements recorded so far.

Afolabi charged the graduands to make maximum use of skills, knowledge and values gained from the institution.

NAN reports that Mr Adeoye Samsudeen of the Yabatech’s School of Electrical Engineering got the college’s Award for the Overall Best Student at Higher Natiomal Diploma level, while Dhikrullahi Ishola of the School of Civil Engineering got the Overall Best Student Award at National Diploma level for the 2022/2023 set. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola