In a significant move to align with the demands of the modern digital economy, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has laid out an ambitious roadmap for its future. The institution's leadership has unveiled comprehensive plans focused on digital innovation, enhanced research capacity, and a renewed commitment to student-centred education.
Driving Digital Literacy and a Smart Campus Vision
The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, made the announcement during a management meeting with newly appointed staff on 15 January 2026. The gathering, held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, marked the kickoff of the new academic year. Dr. Abdul emphasised that the college is intensifying efforts to transform into a fully-fledged smart campus. He urged all staff members to continuously upgrade their digital skills to keep pace with this evolution.
Key institutional priorities were clearly outlined, with digital literacy taking a front seat. Other focus areas include strengthening entrepreneurship and industry linkages, promoting research and innovation, and ensuring environmental sustainability, safety, and inclusivity on campus. The rector also stressed the importance of teamwork.
A Strong Stance on Ethics and Research Excellence
Dr. Abdul delivered a firm warning against misconduct, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, nepotism, and extortion. He was particularly stern on the issue of student harassment. “Extortion of students under any guise is unacceptable. Harassment, academic, sexual, or power-related, will not be tolerated. Anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions. Our students are our diamonds, and they must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” he stated.
On the academic front, lecturers were challenged to move beyond archaic teaching methods. The rector discouraged note dictation and encouraged the adoption of interactive, technology-driven learning approaches that are relevant to industry needs. He also strictly prohibited the sale of handouts or materials to students.
To boost the institution's scholarly output, Dr. Abdul urged staff to strengthen research through collaboration, grants, and patents. He reaffirmed that “publish and prosper” remains the guiding principle for academic advancement at YABATECH. The college plans to leverage its existing research support structures, including centres for applied research and technology commercialisation, to ensure that research outputs have tangible societal and economic impact.
Investments and Expectations for New Staff
As part of its digital push, YABATECH announced plans to invest heavily in academic content creation. Staff will be enabled to develop digital learning resources like videos and podcasts for institutional platforms, with opportunities for revenue generation.
In her welcome address, the Registrar, Mrs. Herienta Badejo, advised the new staff to commit to excellence, integrity, and service. She urged them to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the institution's rules, which she described as the foundation of YABATECH's shared values and ethical standards. Badejo emphasised that professional conduct is mandatory, covering areas like fair student treatment, confidentiality, and the proper use of institutional resources.
Dr. Abdul charged the newly recruited staff, both teaching and non-teaching, to uphold the highest standards. He framed their appointment as the beginning of a new chapter, urging them to see themselves as custodians of knowledge, mentors to students, and ambassadors of the YABATECH brand as the institution positions itself for greater national and global relevance.
