YABATECH Matriculates 17,130 Students, And Issues A Stern Warning Against Cultism and Indiscipline
Yaba College of Technology matriculated 17,130 students for the 2025/2026 academic session after receiving over 24,000 applications. During the ceremony, Rector Dr. Ibraheem Abdul urged students to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence while warning against cultism, examination malpractice, bullying, and drug abuse.
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From Admission to Warning: Key Highlights From YABATECH’s 2025 Matriculation Ceremony
Yaba College of Technology has officially matriculated 17,130 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the institution charging the new intakes to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, discipline, and academic excellence while steering clear of cultism and other social vices. Speaking during the matriculation ceremony held on Thursday, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, revealed that the institution received 24,655 applications for admission across its National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and B.Sc Education programmes. Following a rigorous screening process, 17,130 candidates were admitted.
The rector described the matriculating students as the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers whose educational journey would influence not only their personal and professional growth but also national development and global competitiveness. “The nation looks to your generation for solutions in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. YABATECH is ready to equip you through determination, discipline, and unwavering academic focus,” Abdul said.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement that President Bola Tinubu had approved the institution’s transition into a Technical and Vocational University.
According to Abdul, the development is a strong recognition of YABATECH’s longstanding contributions to skills-based education and technological advancement in Nigeria.
He explained that the transition would strengthen innovation, industrial development, youth empowerment, and job creation while supporting the government’s economic diversification agenda.
“This landmark milestone strategically strengthens skills-based education, innovation and industrial development, while supporting government’s drive for youth empowerment, job creation and economic diversification nationwide,” he stated. The rector used the occasion to issue a stern warning against cultism, examination malpractice, bullying, drug abuse, and other forms of misconduct.
He stressed that students found engaging in cult-related activities would face immediate expulsion and possible prosecution.
“Choose honour, discipline, and academic excellence; the opportunities before you are enormous,” Abdul warned.
He also encouraged students to actively participate in recognised academic societies, professional clubs, and student associations to develop leadership skills and build meaningful networks.
Highlighting the institution’s recent achievements, Abdul noted that YABATECH has expanded its digital infrastructure, strengthened partnerships with industries, secured research grants, and developed innovations such as the PlastoGas Hub, which has gained international recognition.
Students were further advised to maximise the use of the institution’s workshops, laboratories, studios, and ICT facilities while maintaining the mandatory 75 per cent lecture attendance requirement stipulated by both the institution and the National Board for Technical Education.
The matriculation ceremony also featured remarks from the Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, who was represented by Prof. Catherine Ogbuanya.
The vice-chancellor reminded students that their admission into the university system reflects merit, perseverance, and responsibility toward societal transformation. Quoting the late Nelson Mandela, he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He encouraged students to pursue knowledge, integrity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and purposeful leadership while avoiding examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, and all forms of indiscipline.
Referencing civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., he added: “Intelligence plus character is the goal of true education.”
The event also highlighted the ongoing academic affiliation between University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Yaba College of Technology.
Under the partnership, YABATECH runs Bachelor of Science in Education degree programmes on its campus, while UNN oversees curriculum accreditation, moderates examinations, and awards the final degrees.
The collaboration continues to expand access to quality higher education while reinforcing technical and vocational excellence in Nigeria.
