By Juliet Umeh

In a move to address Nigeria’s persistent engineering skills gap, the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, and the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering,NATE, have commenced a partnership aimed at strengthening practical competence among technologists.

The collaboration, which centres on equipment-based training, is expected to equip practitioners with hands-on skills in line with evolving industry standards.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by NATE to the institution in Lagos, the Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said the initiative was timely, given the growing demand for industry-ready graduates and professionals.

According to him, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application remains critical to national development.

“We are partners in progress, and this collaboration will continue to strengthen the link between training and professional practice,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s engineering and technology sector requires stronger synergy among institutions and professional bodies to attain global relevance.

“We still have a lot to do as a country. No single organisation can achieve this alone; collaboration remains key,” Abdul stated.

He reiterated the institution’s commitment to partnerships that enhance students’ development and improve the quality of graduates entering the workforce.

On his part, National General Secretary of NATE, Mr. Kayode Ibidapo, said the partnership would deliver an equipment training workshop scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, focusing on improving proficiency in equipment handling, safety standards, and laboratory procedures.

“With rapid technological changes, continuous training and retraining are essential for professional growth and global competitiveness,” he said.

He disclosed that a joint organising committee would be established to drive the planning and execution of the programme in collaboration with YABATECH’s School of Engineering.

Beyond training, Ibidapo noted that the institution’s alignment with global standards, particularly efforts towards meeting the requirements of the Sydney Accord, positions it as a leader in engineering education in Nigeria.

“One of the requirements for the Sydney Accord is the induction of graduating students, and YABATECH is leading in this regard,” he said.

He added that the association would soon conduct induction and oath-taking ceremonies for graduating students of the institution.

Ibidapo further called on the management of YABATECH to support technologists’ participation in the forthcoming Conference of Technologists scheduled for November 11 to November 13 in Port Harcourt.

Also speaking, the Dean, School of Engineering, Mr. Titus Koledoye, described the initiative as crucial in keeping pace with the rapidly changing technological landscape.

“Our environment at YABATECH is centred on training, and initiatives like this are critical. We do not take them for granted,” he said.

The partnership is expected to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, improve technical proficiency, and promote best practices in engineering training nationwide.