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Tag: Yabatech

  • YABATECH’s Governing Council establishes Centre for Peace & Conflict Resolution 

    YABATECH’s Governing Council establishes Centre for Peace & Conflict Resolution 

    By Joy Anyanwu, YABATECH

    The Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology has marked its one year in office with impactful projects  and creation of the Centre for Peace and  Conflict Resolution for the college.

    Prof. Funso Afolabi, the Council Chairman, noted that the council since its inauguration and assumption of duty in July, 2024, ushered in a new era of institutional renewal, strategic foresight, and collaborative leadership, played advisory and policy-focused reforms across academic programming, infrastructural development, transparency, and governance.

    This one-year milestone, he said, marks a turning point for the Nigeria’s premier tertiary institution, as it transitions into a model of innovation, inclusion, and performance-based management.

    Upon assuming office,  Afolabi said the council emphasized inclusion, accountability and forward-thinking leadership which was formalized with a developed Roadmap for institutional advancement at a retreat. 

    The retreat, he said, prioritised five key areas of governance modernization, curriculum innovation, funding diversification, research collaboration and student-centred policy-making. The framework underpins many of the institution’s recent developments and accolades.

    “Through the strategic direction of the Council, the college has secured accreditation for eight new Higher National Diploma programmes from the National Board for Technical Education. 

    “These include: Mechatronics Engineering, Agribusiness, Marine Engineering, Polymer Technology and Pest Management. 

    “These new programmes align with Nigeria’s development needs in agriculture, technology and marine sectors.

    “Working closely with the management team led by Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, the Council has championed initiatives to boost employability through partnerships with leading ICT and vocational training bodies; the Council Chairman professed.

    Within the one-year period, Yabatech emerged as the highest-ranking polytechnic in a national performance evaluation. The Council attributed the achievement to a combination of strong leadership, improved discipline, policy compliance, and strategic innovations implemented across the college strata,” he said.

    In terms of academic culture, the council, Prof. Afolabi said, worked with the college management to re-emphasize professionalism, time consciousness, improved dress codes, and compliance with academic calendars and regulations, efforts aimed at restoring discipline and pride in institutional identity.

    He added that in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the Governing Council supported the work of two major Centres, the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Development, and the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre. 

    “The College also launched an Innovation Hub, focused on driving creativity, digital enterprise, and technological experimentation, particularly among students in science, engineering, and ICT disciplines. In addition, an all-girls tech hub was established in partnership with UNICEF, aimed at promoting female inclusion in science, technology, and innovation

    “To promote social impact, the Council facilitated several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, which include the Albasar Free Eye Outreach, which provided medical support to hundreds of community members; capacity-building workshops for technical and vocational educators; and the creation of a digital skills training hub at the Computer Village in Ikeja.

    “On student welfare, the council approved the Work-and-Study Programme designed to support students facing financial difficulties. The initiative allows indigent students to take up part-time work opportunities within the College while continuing their academic programmes.

    “Staff motivation also received significant attention as the Annual Productivity Award was institutionalized during the year to recognize and reward outstanding contributions by staff.

    In terms of infrastructure, the college witnessed improvements in lecture halls, laboratories, water systems, and electricity supply across both campuses,” Afolabi said.

    He also said  that the council worked with management to upgrade learning environments, acquire new teaching equipment, and restore key utilities to full function. In addition, several road projects and renovation works were either completed or ongoing during the period.

     Afolabi confirmed that both manpower and material resources have been strengthened in anticipation of the upgrade of the college to a University of Technical and Vocational education. He explained that the College has scaled up capacity in research, improved academic infrastructure, and aligned its programmes with national university education benchmarks.

    “We believe we have laid a strong and credible foundation for the take-off of YABATECH as a university, we have strengthened internal systems, improved accountability, and enhanced human capital. Our vision is clear, and our direction is deliberate,” he added.

    Read Also: YabaTech  to host AFN Trials for 2025 World Championships

    He added that the Council is optimistic about the College’s future and remains committed to sustaining reforms that will further raise the standard of academic and institutional operations.

    As the Council enters its second year in office, members reaffirmed their resolve to consolidate on gains made, support further innovation, and ensure that YABATECH remains one of Nigeria’s leading centres of learning, innovation, and community impact.

    The Governing Council has backed the college’s infrastructure drive and research visibility.  New laboratories, innovation hubs and digital classrooms have been established. The Council has supported the institution’s partnership-focused programme, A Day with Industry Partners, which has brought together companies that promote student internships, research collaboration and professional engagement, strengthening the bridge between academia and industry.

    Prof. Afolabi said that in the year under review, Yabatech was named Best Tertiary Institution in Tourism Education in Lagos State, describing the award as a testament to the institution’s sustained commitment to quality and relevance.

    The many achievements of the Council, the chairman, attributed to the visionary leadership of Abdul and the management  ranging from securing approvals for strategic hires to advising on capital projects and ensuring policy compliance, the synergy between Council and management has become a model of cooperative governance in Nigerian higher education.

     Afolabi said the council remains focused on guiding the institution through her transformation with strategic clarity, academic integrity and shared purpose as Nigeria continues to undergo educational reform under the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that  the college is well-positioned for its long-awaited transition to university status. 

  • YabaTech  to host AFN Trials for 2025 World Championships

    YabaTech  to host AFN Trials for 2025 World Championships

    The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially announced that the 2025 World Championships trials will now take place at the YabaTech Sports Complex in Lagos from August 1st  to 3rd .

    This comes after the original venue, the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, was deemed unfit to host the trials due to unresolved technical and compliance issues.

    According to AFN officials, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena failed to receive clearance from World Athletics, primarily due to concerns over the facility’s readiness and technical standards. The decision to relocate the trials was finalized just three days before the scheduled start, following days of uncertainty and logistical complications tied to the Abeokuta venue.

    The trials are a mandatory qualification event for Nigeria’s senior athletics team ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships set to be held in Tokyo.

    Preparations are already in motion, with several top athletes, including world 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan and fellow hurdler Adaobi Tabugbo, spotted training at Yabatech last week. Many Nigerian athletes have returned to the country to participate in the trials, despite the late venue change.

    Read Also: WAFCON 2024: Ajibade, Alozie, Nnadozie,  Okoronkwo  named in Best XI

    Meanwhile, Nigeria’s relay teams are still racing against time to secure qualification for Tokyo after missing the World Relays in May. Their fate now depends on global rankings, with the qualification window closing on August 24.

    A number of athletes have already secured their places in Tokyo through World Athletics rankings or entry standards. They include: Tima Godbless, Rosemary Chukwuma,

    Kelly Ufodiama, Ella Onojuvwevwo,Temitope Adeshina, Ese Brume, Favour Ofili (participation uncertain amid rumours of a potential allegiance switch),Prestina Ochonogor, Chioma Onyekwere,Obiageri Amaechi, Sade Olatoye, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Israel Okon, Samuel Ogazi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Chidi Okezie, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi among others.

    Despite the late venue change, the AFN remains confident in YabaTech ability to successfully host the trials and ensure that Nigeria’s best athletes are selected for the global stage in Tokyo.

  • YABATECH rector to students: your appearance should reflect inner values

    YABATECH rector to students: your appearance should reflect inner values

    • Institution holds matriculation
    • By Joy Aikhorogie

    Rector Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Dr Ibraheem Abdul has said the institution won’t condone indecent dressing on campus.

    The rector, who spoke at the school’s matriculation tasked freshmen to ensure their appearance reflect their inner values.

    A total of 11,828 students were admitted into the college’s full-time and flexible learning programmes across various disciplines for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    Abdul charged the students to uphold the values of the institution in excellence, innovation, inclusivity, integrity, and responsibility.

    “Let me remind you of some key guidelines that govern life on campus as the college frowned at indecent dressing which is not acceptable. We uphold high standards of discipline, including proper appearance. Dress decently and let your appearance reflect your inner values. A minimum of 75 per cent class attendance is required for students to qualify for end-of-semester examinations as regular attendance is non-negotiable.

    Read Also: NAFDAC confiscates 88,560 litres of bomb making acids in Kano

    “Our college environment is structured to support your holistic development. Our lecturers are seasoned professionals dedicated to mentoring and inspiring you. We encourage open engagement, critical inquiry, and responsible independence in learning,” he said.

    The rector stressed the institution’s commitment to  producing graduates who are not only academically sound but are also industry-ready and globally competitive.

    “We have established partnerships with industries and institutions globally. These partnerships are strategic and tailored to empower you with 21st-century skills, micro-credentials, and cross-sector exposure.

    The college is known for unwavering commitment to groundbreaking innovation, exceptional skill development, remarkable creativity, entrepreneurial prowess, and a distinctly practical approach to learning. These hallmarks have profoundly benefitted countless students, equipping them not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the invaluable ability to thrive in real-world settings. Here, you are encouraged to think inventively, act resourcefully, and develop solutions that make a tangible impact,” he added.

    The chairman, governing council of the college, Prof. Funsho Afolabi,  noted that the event reflects a pivotal time in the college’s history as it would attain a university status.

     He said the transition would provide broader academic and professional opportunities for students and help to position the institution as a world-class institution of higher learning which aligns strongly with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda which  emphasises human capital development, technological innovation, and quality education as tools to reposition the nation.

    He advised the freshmen to be intentional, resilient, and prepared. “Use your time well here. Make use of every resource. Build meaningful relationships. Learn not just for today, but for the lifetime,” he said.

  • YABATECH rector to academics: embrace best practices in research

    YABATECH rector to academics: embrace best practices in research

    By Joy Aikorogie

    The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has urged Nigerian academics to embrace global best practices in research writing and publication to enhance institutional visibility, national development, and academic excellence.

    This call was made at a workshop organised by the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management of Yaba College of Technology  with the theme: “Mastering Research Writing and Publication,” held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium.

    Participants at the workshop included scholars, lecturers, and early-career researchers across various disciplines in the service of the institution.

    Abdul, represented by the college deputy rector academics, Dr Ismaila Badmus, emphasised the immediate needs for Nigerian researchers to align with global publishing standards and contribute meaningfully to knowledge production.

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     “In this age of global competitiveness, research must go beyond mere documentation, it must solve real-world problems, attract international recognition, and impact society. That is what this workshop seeks to inspire;” he said.

    In her presentation, the guest  lecturer, Prof. Temitope  Onuminya, a renowned Professor of Plant Systematics and Conservation at the University of Lagos, shared deep insights into strategies for producing high-quality, publishable academic work.

  • ‘Tech education vital to  industrialisation’

    ‘Tech education vital to  industrialisation’

    In a resounding call for national development, stakeholders in education, media, and technology have stressed the need to prioritise technical education in the country.

    Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR), Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH), experts described technical education as the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation, warning against systemic neglect.

    The event, held in honour of former Deputy Director of CICPR, Dr Omobayo Taofeek Raheem,  served as a platform for critical discourse with  the theme: “Technical Education and National Development: The Place of AI, its Credibility, Trust, and Transparency.”

    Rector of YABATECH Dr Ibraheem Abdul stressed YABATECH’s historical role in championing vocational and technical training.

    “Yaba College of Technology, as the first higher institution in Lagos and a leader in technical education, continues to shape the nation’s workforce. This lecture honours a man of principle and highlights a theme of immense national importance,” he said.

     Group Controller of Current & Public Affairs at TVC Communications, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, who was the keynote speaker,  warned that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education, journalism, and industry, it must be deployed responsibly.

    “AI can enhance learning, improve efficiency, and extend education to remote areas. But we must focus on ethics, transparency, and regulatory frameworks. Trust and credibility must not be sacrificed in our rush to innovate,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    He emphasised that in fields like journalism, AI should complement—not replace—human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility.

     Managing Editor of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo decried the widening disparity between university and polytechnic institutions, particularly in terms of funding, recognition, and staff remuneration.

    “Technical education is the backbone of industrial Nigeria, and it must be protected.

    The discrimination against HND holders, and the brain drain from polytechnics to universities, threaten the very fabric of vocational advancement in Nigeria. We must reward skill, not status,” he said.

    Oladipo argued that until Nigeria becomes self-reliant in manufacturing and stops relying heavily on imports, polytechnic education must remain a priority—not an afterthought.

    He also called on the government to close the gap in wages between polytechnic and university lecturers, noting that qualified personnel are being driven out of the polytechnic system due to financial and professional inequality.

    Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Dr  Mukail Akinde stressed the importance of maintaining the credibility of institutions and information.

    He underscored the need for institutional transformation.

  • Bill to convert YABATECH to varsity scales second reading

    Bill to convert YABATECH to varsity scales second reading

    A Bill seeking to convert the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university yesterday scaled second reading in the Senate.

    The Bill, titled: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025,” was sponsored by Senate Leader Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

    During a working visit to the college in February, Education Minister Tunji Alausa had said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved its conversion into a university.

    In his lead debate, Bamidele said the Bill became necessary to give legal backing to the conversion of the school to a university through fiat by President Tinubu.

    He said: “The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the Yaba College of Technology to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via presidential fiat.

    “Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of this university…

    “The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university.

    “The institution is also prepared to remain true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.”

    All senators supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a second time, when it was put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.

    Also yesterday, the Senate passed a Bill for an Act to establish Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology at Erinja, Yewa, Ogun State.

    This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on the Bill at plenary.

    Committee Chairman Abdulhamid Ahmed Mallam-Madori said the university, when established, would strengthen law enforcement capacity by providing specialised education in science and technology as well as facilitate security research and innovation.

    Read Also: TETFUND rates YABATECH high on projects

    He added that the university would catalyse local economic growth by stimulating economic activity, create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure within Erinja, Yewa, Ogun State, as well as promote community engagement and inclusion.

    The Senate also passed a “Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura, Kano State, and for related matters”.

    This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong.

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central).

    All senators supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a third time when put to voice vote by Senator Barau.

  • Bill to convert YABATECH to varsity scales second reading in Senate

    Bill to convert YABATECH to varsity scales second reading in Senate

    …as Senate passes two other education bills

    A bill which seeks to convert the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to university on Tuesday scaled second reading in Senate. 

    The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025” was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central).

    Bamidele in his lead debate, said the Bill became necessary to give legal backing to the conversion of the school to a University through fiat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had during a working visit to the college in February, said President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, into a university.

    Alausa said the college is ready and fit to become a full-fledged university, adding that the school is an enduring legacy.

    Bamidele said: “The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the Yaba Polytechnic to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State which has already been done via presidential fiat.

    “Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide fo establishment of this University.

    “I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff, just as it will upgrade its facilities and enhance its capability to achieve its objectives.

    “The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university. 

    “The institution is also prepared to remain true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.

    Read Also: TETFUND rates YABATECH high on projects

    In this regard, it will seek to emulate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has built upon a tradition of distinction to become one of the world’s foremost educational institutions.

    “I am fully satisfied that the provisions in this Bill are adequate to ensure the takeoff of the proposed University.”

    Senators in their contributions supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a second time when it was put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.

    Barau referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative work and to report back in four weeks. 

    Also on Tuesday, the Senate passed a Bill for an Act to establish Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology, Erinja, Yewa Ogun state. 

    This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on the Bill at plenary. 

    The chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed Mallam-Madori, said the University when established will strengthen law enforcement capacity by providing specialized education in science and technology as well as facilitate security research and innovation.

    He added that the university would catalyse local economic growth by stimulating economic activity, create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure within Erinja, Yewa, Ogun state as well as promote community engagement and inclusion. 

    Besides, the Senate equally passed a “Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura, Kano State and for related matters.”

    This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions chaired by Senator Simon Lalong. 

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP – Kano Central). 

    In his presentation, Lalong said the Committee observed that the establishment of the proposed Federal University of Agriculture in Kura, Kano State will provide the enabling environment for acquisition of knowledge and skills in line with emerging trends in agricultural practice and development;

    He also said the establishment of the proposed University would add to the Federal Government’s efforts, “geared towards addressing educational needs of the country by making education more accessible and affordable to Nigerians.”

    He equally said that the passage of the Bill would, to some extent, cater for the ever-increasing demands for acquisition of requisit knowledge and skills for the socio-economic development this country.

    Senators in their contributions supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a third time when put to voice vote by Senator Barau. 

  • TETFUND rates YABATECH high on projects

    TETFUND rates YABATECH high on projects

    •Inaugurates Workplace Learning Hub

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has scored Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH)  high in quality project execution, transparency and value-driven use of funds allocated to it.

    This was just as the agency inaugurated a Workplace Learning Hub of the institution at Ikeja Computer Village,Lagos.

    A member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Southwest geopolitical zone, Hon. Sunday Adepoju applauded the college for judicious use of funds and for not leaving abandoned projects on campus.

    Adepoju addressed  the management of the college after touring the 2020 to 2023 TETFund projects in a familiarization visit to the institution.

    He said: “Having gone round the college to inspect the TETFund projects, I am highly impressed by what I saw. My fear of noting abandoned projects was allayed as there was none which shows that the college has not given the contractors handling the projects any hitch.”

    Adepoju hailed the college for effectively utilizing TETFund allocations to drive infrastructural and academic development.

    The college, he said, integrated both theoretical and practical knowledge at teaching and learning thereby blocking any loopholes of imparting knowledge in the training of Nigerian youths.

    The BoT member implored tertiary institutions benefiting from the Trust Fund to ensure that the funds are well utilized and project built with funds are properly maintained. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the management, staff and students to make judicious use of Tetfund properties so that the structures will be beneficial to upcoming generation.

    He also called for commercialization of research outputs, stressing  that taxpayer  funded research should lead to visible development.

    He said it  would be of no essence to carry out research and put them on shelves rather than putting them on the public space for investors to turn quality research into products.

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    The rector, Dr  Ibraheem Abdul, thanked  TETFund, and the Minister of Education for their unwavering support and investment in the institution, noting that the  workplace learning hub is a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and government agencies in driving national development.

    He  said: ‘’The college is  proud to be at the forefront of skills development, and this hub will play a pivotal role in equipping our students with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in the ICT sector. Our partnership with the Computer Village community will create a platform for knowledge sharing, skills development, and innovation.”

    “This  Workplace Learning Hub will provide training programs tailored to meet the needs of the industry, ensuring our students are job-ready and equipped to tackle real-world challenges. We believe this initiative will not only enhance the employability of our graduates but also contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.”

  • ‘Yabatech not involved in illegal deductions’

    ‘Yabatech not involved in illegal deductions’

    Yaba College of Technology, Lagos is not involved in illegal deductions and exploitation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Scheme  (NELFUND), the authorities said yesterday.

    The college management explained that the institution is diligent at implementing government policies, directives and passionate about students welfare.

    According to the management, Yabatech is jolted by the media report on wrongful allegation of being embroiled in students exploitation through the disbursement of students loans from NELFUND.

    According to the report, no fewer than 51 institutions have been fingered in illegal deductions and attendant exploitation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

    The report also alleged that the institutions make between N3,500 and N30,000 off each student’s institutional fee that was submitted and received from NELFUND.

    NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) had accused these institutions of engaging in “deceptive practices” by collecting institutional fees from the government without refunding the full value to students at the point of disbursement.

    But, Yabatech said the report is not true, saying that it is an attempt to malign the name and image of the foremost institution and disrepute its landmark loyalty to the Federal Government.

    “However, the true position of things is that as at today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not been able to trace the money in the bank statements of the college,” a high ranking officer of the college said. The officer, who was at the CBN yesterday for further enquiry and monitoring of the payment, came with the report that “the officer that attended to me at CBN today checked through our bank statements but couldn’t find the inflow”.

    Read Also: Yabatech not involved in illegal students’ loan deduction, says management

    Also, the accounting procedures and processes must be duly followed in every financial transaction before payment could be made, which Yaba College of Technology is championing and will not compromise.

    A statement by the institution clarified that the purported amount  paid to the college is under verification by the CBN.

    It added: “The institutionalized fees as claimed paid by the damaging report is yet to reflect in the account of the college while the list of the beneficiaries sent to the college is under verification, hence disbursement or refund cannot be done yet or allegation of illegal deductions cannot be carried out.”

  • Yabatech not involved in illegal students’ loan deduction, says management

    Yabatech not involved in illegal students’ loan deduction, says management

    Yaba College of Technology, Lagos is not involved in illegal deductions and exploitation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Scheme (NELFUND), the authorities said on Wednesday.

    The college management explained that the institution is diligent at implementing government policies, directives and passionate about students welfare.

    According to the management, Yabatech is jolted by the media report on wrongful allegation of being embroiled in students’ exploitation through the disbursement of students’ loans from NELFUND.

    According to the report, “No fewer than 51 institutions have been fingered in illegal deductions and attendant exploitation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

    The report also alleged that the institutions make between N3,500 and N30,000 off each student’s institutional fee that was submitted and received from NELFUND.

    NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) had accused these institutions of engaging in “deceptive practices” by collecting institutional fees from the government without refunding the full value to students at the point of disbursement.

    They also accused the schools of a lack of transparency, for allegedly refusing to disclose disbursement records. The embroiled institutions include: Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech); Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)” amongst others.

    But Yabatech said the report is not true, saying that it is an attempt to malign the name and image of the foremost institution and disrepute its landmark loyalty to the federal government. 

    However, the true position of things is that as at today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not been able to trace the money in the bank statements of the college.

    A high ranking officer of the college who was at the CBN today for further enquiry and monitoring of the payment came with the report that “the officer that attended to me at CBN today checked through our bank statements but couldn’t find the inflow”.

    Also, the accounting procedures and processes must be duly followed in every financial transaction before payment can be made, which Yaba College of Technology is championing and will not compromise.

    Read Also: Handball: National U-20 team coach faults YabaTech on non-release of star player

    A statement by the institution clarified that the purported amount paid to the college is under verification by the CBN.

    It added: “The institutionalized fees as claimed paid by the damaging report is yet to reflect in the account of the college while the list of the beneficiaries sent to the college is under verification, hence disbursement or refund cannot be done yet or allegation of illegal deductions cannot be carried out.

    “The college will, however, begin the payment of refund as appropriate, as soon as the payment hits the college account, and is reconciled with the list of the beneficiaries, as there must be cash backing for any payment to be made. 

    “The concerned students of the college should please exercise patience and allow due diligence to be carried out, as payment will be made as soon as payment hits the college account.”