.Yabatech, UNICEF inaugurate tech hub
By Jamiu Oriola, YABATECH
The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has said investing in girls’ education is crucial for the future of families, communities, and nations, stressing that educated women tend to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, contribute to economic growth, and uplift their communities.
He spoke at the commencement of the training of 5,250 girls in Lagos State with the inauguration of the 50- seat capacity Information Communication Technology Hub in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The training, Girls Education Skills Partnership is aimed at enhancing education and skills in a digital landscape.
Abdul highlighted the significance of the GESP Tech Hub as a milestone for the broader community, college and Lagos State at large.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate in overcoming the barriers to girls’ education, such as socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and insufficient resources in various regions. “This program addresses these challenges directly by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can excel both academically and personally,” he noted.
The Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme is to provide girls with vital life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to chase their dreams.
Abdul noted that by working with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, they aim to create a comprehensive framework that meets the diverse needs of participants.
He acknowledged the contributions of Project Coordinator Dr Funmilayo Doherty and her team, including Dr. Idowu Aneyo and Mr. Amos Alade, as well as project partners such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Generation Unlimited, in successfully launching the Tech Hub.
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He sought a collective effort from educators, industry leaders, and community members to create a society where every girl has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. “Seize this opportunity, engage fully in the program, and remember that education is about empowering yourself to make informed choices and pursue your passions,” he encouraged.
Earlier, Doherty highlighted the crucial need to tackle the significant challenge of inadequate practical and industry-relevant skills among female graduates.
“Many students, particularly girls, who complete their education often lack the practical, industry-relevant skills essential for employment. This skills gap contributes to high unemployment rates, hindering the nation’s economic growth,” she said.
She further noted that the workforce is ill-prepared to meet the demands of modern industries and the global economy, stating that the GESP program represents a bold and innovative response to these challenges, especially in the ICT sector.
“We are equipping our young women with the tools they need to succeed and positioning them as leaders within their communities and contributors to the national economy.
“This programme transcends mere education; it symbolizes our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through collaborations with industry and academia, gender-responsive teaching methods, and the creation of inclusive learning spaces, the GESP programme aims to dismantle barriers that have historically limited girls’ involvement in STEM and TVET fields. We are not just providing training; we are fostering the confidence and resilience of our young women, ensuring they receive the necessary support to excel in traditionally male-dominated sectors,” she said.
Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr Idris Bugaje represented by South West Director Elder Ayo Aroge, pledged the board’s support for the initiative, aligning it with their mandate to promote technical and vocational education across the nation.
UNICEF’s Project Officer in Nigeria, Babagana Aminu, thanked the college for launching the Tech Hub, assuring that they would provide essential technical support as partners to ensure the successful implementation of the training for the girls.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, committed the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with YabaTech and other stakeholders to eliminate barriers impeding girls’ education, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic development of the state and the nation.
Mrs. Anike Adekanye,an educationist, who represented the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, praised the initiative, promising necessary support to enhance girls’ education and empowerment for rapid economic growth in the state and nation.
