By Elizabeth Osayande

The Sultan of Sokoto’s Foundation for Peace and Development, led by His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has entered into a partnership with Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH to enhance education, healthcare, and youth empowerment throughout Nigeria.

The partnership was announced during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the Foundation, led by its Director, Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad. They were received by the College’s Rector, Dr Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, and other senior officials at the College Council Chamber.

In his address, Malam Muhammad explained that the Foundation established in 2014 under the leadership of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III has as its mission to support communities affected by conflict, poverty, and insecurity. Over the years, the Foundation has collaborated with international organisations such as UNICEF, UN Women, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Malala Foundation on various projects, including routine immunisation and girls’ education.

He shared that the Foundation is currently working to stop the transmission of circulating variant poliovirus in Northern and Southwestern Nigeria, while also advocating for routine immunisation and educational programmes for out-of-school children, particularly girls. One of its most ambitious initiatives includes establishing an all-female university in Sokoto, modelled after the American education system, focusing on nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and other health-related courses.

“Our goal is to address the needs of vulnerable communities by providing healthcare, education, and support for young people. Partnering with YABATECH presents an opportunity to expand this impact nationwide,” he stated.

In response, Dr Engr. Ibraheem Abdul praised the Foundation’s initiatives and noted that YABATECH shares similar values of service and community development. He highlighted YABATECH’s collaborations with UNICEF to provide ICT training for girls aged 13 to 25 and the medical outreach programs conducted in partnership with Albasar International in underserved areas.

“Education without community impact is incomplete. By partnering with the Sultan Foundation, we can help redirect vulnerable youth toward productive learning and skills development while empowering women and disadvantaged groups,” the rector emphasised.

Dr Abdul also expressed concern about the increasing number of boys affected by drug abuse and mentioned that the College is designing rehabilitation initiatives to reintegrate them through skills acquisition and education. Furthermore, he indicated that YABATECH is exploring the establishment of a medical university to help address Nigeria’s shortage of healthcare professionals.