EDUCATIONAL NEWS YCT GRADUATES 7,717 GRADUATES IN 2021/2022 ACADEMIC SESSION

 BY LEO EZEKIEL

Speaking as the seventh Rector of Yaba College of Technology, at Phillip Adegbele Stadium to the academic audience Dr. Eng. Ibraheem Adedokun Abdul states that Yaba College of Technology has pleasantly graduated 7,717 graduates adding that for him as Rector, Yaba College of Technology that this is the first convocation ceremony to mark the beginning of his tenor of Five Years therefore it is the very first time he is privileged to address this academic audience as Rector.

Speaking further he says that his gratitude flows to him (Almighty God) from whom promotions and positions come and in whose power he is fulfilled in this endeavor adding that, the 35^th Convocation Ceremony is for graduates of 2021/2022 Academic Session (Full-Time and Part-Time) with seven thousand, seven hundred and seventeen (7,717) graduates. 

Thus, this convocation is for the award of Diplomas and Certificate to deserving graduates adding that he is thanking the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, through the Honorable Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman OON, for the opportunity to serve the College and the nation in this capacity.

Speaking again he also appreciates the management, staff, students, alumni, community members, security agencies and all other stakeholders for the loyalty, commitment and steadfastness in the course of his few months in the office adding that the modest achievements recorded during these few months of this administration could not have been possible without their support and encouragement.  

Further he says he is most delighted to welcome all and sundry on behalf of the Academic Board, the Management, staff and students to the 35^th Convocation Ceremony of Yaba College of Technology, the Premier Tertiary Institution in Nigeria.

He says that he warmly welcomes the Visitor to the College and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by Mrs. Ezonebi Blessing Azorbo Director Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Education adding that the 35^th Convocation being held today November 23, 2023 is a landmark occasion for him as Rector, Yaba College of Technology. It wouldn't have been possible to have successful accreditation exercise, matriculation and Convocation Ceremony all within the first six months of this administration without their full support and cooperation. 

Speaking further he says that the Convocation Ceremony is the climax of the academic calendar of the institution; It is therefore a very special and happy occasion when they celebrate the success of their graduating students and yet another achievement of their mandate as a Polytechnic adding that it is his prayer that it marks the beginning of greater achievements to come.

Speaking further he says that the breakdown of the performances of the graduating students in this session are as follows:

Two Hundred and Fifty-Four (254) of these students got distinction. One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Three (1,893) students are graduating in Upper Credit division while Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty (3,940) students are graduating in Lower Credit and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty (1630) are in the Pass grade.

He clearly reminded his dear graduates, that the Convocation lecture titled “Empowering Nigerian Youths in the Present Day Economy” delivered by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, OFR, CFR, provided the indices that would bring about the emergence of successful young entrepreneurs and mostly of all its integrity adding that it is his firm believe that all the graduands and indeed all in attendance have been well impacted and empowered to be competent and skillful entrepreneurs that would affect the growth of the country.

In addition the Rector informs the audiences that this great College is 76 years old, it therefore became obvious to them that the responsibility they bear and to grapple with in an old institution, is a national heritage that prides itself as the first and still the best.

Speaking further he says that this realization of the enormity of their responsibilities birthed a five-year Strategic plan of “ERECT”. adducing that the major focus of this plan and by implication the focal point of his administration will hinge as drivers on empowering the entire workforce in the College, repackaging all academic and skills development programs of the College, exploring the creation of the industry advisory committee (IAC) and setting up STBI Hubs; consolidating and expanding all sources of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the College, Tapping into National and International Grants and Endowments for funding vital infrastructure.

He tells the audiences that Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) maintains and sustains her ranking as the best Polytechnic in the country for the 6^th consecutive time as they envisioned, that by the end of the five-year tenure of his administration, the College should be first in the ranking of all Tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking to the audience as he representative of the visitor to the college and as well as Hon. Minister of Federal Ministry of Education Prof. Tahir Mammam, the Director of legal services of Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Mrs Ezonebi Blessing Azorbo states that she is pleased to address this esteemed gathering on the occasion of the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos as today marks a significant milestone in the institution's history as accomplished students embark on their journey to contribute meaningfully to nation's progress adding that this achievement would not have materialized without the unwavering dedication of various stakeholders, particularly the commendable efforts of the Management and Staff of the Polytechnic as she extends her heartfelt congratulations to all for transforming this event into a reality

Speaking again to the academic gathering she states that Government is aware of the various challenges confronting the Education Sector adding that the issues which include accessibility, equity, funding, teachers capacity building, institutional management, technical and vocational in education is being actively addressed adding that a comprehensive 4-Year strategic plan is underway, serving as a roadmap for the sector's development. 

She says that a crucial step in this direction was the National Stakeholders workshop on October 19, 2023, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. She also informs the audience that the envisioned roadmap is poised to shape the future of education in the Republic.

In addition she says that it is imperative to emphasize that addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts beyond the government as she calls upon all stakeholders, particularly industry leaders, to complement government initiatives through contributions to research, structural development, scholarships for underprivileged students, capacity building, and graduate employment. Again she says that this partnership will significantly augment the accomplishments facilitated by agencies like TETFund, PTDF, and International Development Partners.

Speaking as the representative of both the visitor to the college and as well as Hon. Minister of Education they collectively recognize the pivotal roles of Science and Technology education in national growth, adding that as a primary driver, the Polytechnic sub-sector occupies a central position in the quest for technological development. 

And again she stated that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting this sub-sector, emphasizing a renewed focus on the 70-30 admission ratio favoring Science and Technology programs Simultaneously, they encourage regular curriculum reviews to infuse indigenous technology through local content, fostering harmonious relationships with host communities.

Again she says that addressing social vices within campuses, such as cultism, indecent dressing, and examination malpractices, is paramount adding that these issues threaten the aspirations of building world-class institutions and nurturing enduring professionals. She calls upon the management, staff, and students to take decisive measures to eliminate these vices and realize the collective dreams.

Again she says that as they honour distinguished individuals with the conferment of the Fellowship Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the nation. She Congratulates them for their exemplary figures, who serve as role models for future generations.

In closing, she challenges Yaba College of Technology to respond creatively to contemporary challenges and foster innovation, fabricating tools for agricultural and manufacturing industries.

Speaking with iconblazemagazineonline the father of Miss Isi ihadegbomen Owobu, Higher National Diploma graduate of the school of Engineering of Yaba College of Technology who made an upper credit. Mr. John Ibhadegbumon Owobu states that he is pleasantly gladdened to God of Prophets and Apostles that his daughter has graduated with good grades adding that is God Himself that showered His uncommon graces upon which largely enabled him to pay the school fees and her bills effortlessly.  

Speaking further he said that he wishes his daughter and other graduating students the best of luck as they begin new phase of journey in their lives adding that he also prays for the management team of Yaba College of Technology for heavy understanding between them and the students at all given times.

Speaking with iconblazemagazineonline, Mr. Adedokun Timothy the father of Adedokun Oluwapelumi Eunice of school of Science Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate with upper credit states that he is actually grateful to God Almighty for being there with him, his daughter and other family members while he worked hard to pay the school fees and other sundry bills of Yaba College of Technology adding that his recipes to others graduating students are that they should embrace God fellowship at all times and as well as continue to strive hard for greater rewards in life.

Speaking with iconblazemagazineonline the head teacher of Egbin Kindom primary school Mr. Enilolobo Jimmy the father of Ibukun Omotola Enilolobo of Civil Engineering higher National Diploma (HND) with lower credit states that as a teacher himself that he is quite happy that his daughter has finally made him pound by aiming herself with HND certificate adding that his prayers are that God Almighty father will continue to shield, protect, provide and preserve his daughter and other graduating student from the school of Studies of Yaba College of Technology. 

Speaking with iconblazemagazineonline Christopher Adade the father of Tobiloba Adade, Higher National Diploma (HND) Quantity Survey graduated with upper credit states that he is really uncommonly thankful to Almighty God for all the graces He provided for him and his family adding that his wishes for his son and other graduating students are that God Himself should continually be there for all and sundry and he also added that they should be good ambassadors of themselves and the great Yaba College of Technology. 

Speaking with iconblazemagazineonline Dr. Micah Okwah the elder sibling of Daniel Okwah who graduated with distinction in Computer Engineering of Yaba College of Technology states that he and his family members are extremely happy with the excellent grades his younger sibling achieved adding that he is only Daniel himself will be the one to decide what next plans he has for himself academically.  He generally commend the entire management team of the seventh rector of Yaba College of Technology Dr. Engr. Abdul for the manner with which they are teaching and mentoring the students overall.