YABATECH Rector Advocates For Industry-Academia Collaboration To Drive Development

Discover how YABATECH is fostering industry-academia collaborations under the leadership of Dr. Ibraheem Abdul. Learn about new initiatives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with NEM Insurance to drive development and innovation.

Lagos, Nigeria – Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has emphasized the need for strong partnerships between tertiary institutions and industries as a critical pathway to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.

During a courtesy visit to the management team of NEM Insurance, Dr. Abdul reiterated YABATECH’s commitment to fostering collaborations that would connect “town and gown,” creating mutual benefits for students, staff, and industry stakeholders.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Accompanied by members of the college’s management team, Dr. Abdul highlighted the institution’s strategic focus on equipping students with real-world skills through meaningful private-sector engagements.

According to him, “Industry partnerships are a top priority for us at YABATECH. These collaborations ensure our students receive practical, hands-on training, preparing them to face modern workplace challenges.”

The rector called for curriculum reviews that align academic programs with evolving industry trends. He invited NEM Insurance and other corporate organizations to actively participate in reshaping academic content to meet the demands of today’s job market.

New Initiatives: Mentorship and Start-up Hubs

As part of YABATECH’s vision for holistic student development, Dr. Abdul proposed a mentorship program called “A Day with the Professionals or CEOs.” This initiative would allow industry experts to engage directly with students, sharing insights, experiences, and guidance to inspire and prepare them for their future careers.

Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of start-up hubs within the college. These hubs would act as incubators for innovation, offering students and staff opportunities to develop their ideas into viable businesses. Dr. Abdul emphasized the need for support in providing resources and start-up kits to encourage entrepreneurship and skills development.

Insurance Sector Growth and Partnership

Recognizing the growing importance of the insurance sector, Dr. Abdul stressed the need to train young professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the industry. He encouraged NEM Insurance to play a pivotal role in supporting such efforts.

In response, Mr. Andrew Ikekua, Managing Director/CEO of NEM Insurance, commended YABATECH’s forward-thinking approach.

“We at NEM are committed to supporting initiatives that promote education and industry growth. This partnership will strengthen our shared goals and create meaningful impact,” Ikekua affirmed.

He also pledged NEM’s support for proposed exchange programs that would give students practical exposure in the insurance sector.

A Shared Vision for Development

Mr. Tope Smart, Chairman of NEM Insurance, reinforced the company’s dedication to the partnership, expressing confidence in the agreed-upon initiatives. He pledged NEM’s continued support for programs that bridge academia and industry, fostering innovation and professional development.

Conclusion

Dr. Abdul’s visit underscores YABATECH’s unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through strategic collaborations with organizations like NEM Insurance, the institution is positioning itself as a leader in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce while driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

By fostering such partnerships, YABATECH is charting a course for academic excellence, professional readiness, and industry growth in Nigeria.