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The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Prof. Funso Afolabi, has called for the development of a national policy framework to strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions, traditional institutions, and local communities as a strategy for accelerating sustainable development, youth empowerment, and innovation-driven growth.
Prof. Afolabi made the call during the official visit of the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, Oyinyosayeuyeyin III, to YABATECH. He noted that Nigeria’s development aspirations would be more effectively realised when educational institutions and traditional authorities work in synergy to address societal challenges.
He observed that traditional rulers have evolved beyond ceremonial roles to become key stakeholders in education, security, economic development, and community mobilisation.
According to him, the developmental strides recorded in Iyin-Ekiti under the leadership of the Oluyin—particularly the establishment and rapid growth of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences—offer a practical model for community-driven educational development.
“The future of national development lies in strategic partnerships that connect educational institutions, local communities, and traditional leadership structures. Such collaborations create opportunities for innovation, human capital development, and inclusive growth,” he said.
The council chairman stressed the need for policies that promote stronger linkages between higher institutions and their host communities, noting that educational advancement cannot be separated from community participation and ownership.
Drawing lessons from the successful take-off of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, he emphasised that community support remains critical to the sustainability and success of tertiary institutions.
He added that many emerging institutions across the country struggle with enrolment and community acceptance, underscoring the importance of stakeholder engagement and visionary leadership for institutional growth.
Prof. Afolabi further advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education as a viable pathway to tackling unemployment, poverty, and skills gaps among Nigerian youths.
He said institutions like YABATECH play a pivotal role in advancing the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and technological innovation.
He also identified tourism, hospitality management, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and security technology as key areas where collaboration between educational institutions and communities can yield significant socio-economic benefits.
On national security, he called for enhanced cooperation among academia, government agencies, and community leadership structures to develop indigenous technological solutions to emerging security challenges.
He noted that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions possess the intellectual capacity and research potential required to design innovative security systems and community-based solutions to support national security objectives.
Prof. Afolabi further underscored the importance of preserving the relevance of traditional institutions in contemporary governance, describing royal fathers as critical partners in policy implementation, social mobilisation, and grassroots development.
He emphasised that addressing the country’s development challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, educational institutions, traditional authorities, the private sector, and local communities.
In his response, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation, describing the visit as a strategic engagement aimed at achieving tangible developmental outcomes rather than a ceremonial exercise.
“I deliberately came with members of our technical and development committees because I want this visit to produce concrete results. We seek a partnership that will add value to Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom while extending the impact of Yaba College of Technology to our community,” the monarch said.
Oba Ajakaiye revealed that the kingdom is currently developing a comprehensive security architecture to address emerging threats and promote safer communities.
He expressed optimism that YABATECH’s expertise in technology and innovation would significantly contribute to the development of indigenous security solutions with national relevance.
The royal father also highlighted the importance of networking, cultural exchange, and cross-fertilisation of ideas among institutions and communities as catalysts for national growth and development.
He commended YABATECH for its commitment to community engagement and partnership, noting that the institution’s participation in the kingdom’s 2025 celebrations remains a memorable milestone.
The monarch pledged the readiness of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom to sustain its relationship with YABATECH and collaborate on initiatives that promote education, innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Welcoming the royal delegation, the Rector of the college, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the visit as a significant follow-up to commitments made during the monarch’s three-in-one coronation anniversary celebrations in 2025, where the institution pledged support for various developmental initiatives in Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom.
He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians—particularly girls—through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are committed to training young girls in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to prepare them for the future and empower them as wealth creators,” the rector stated.
Dr. Abdul noted that YABATECH is already exploring several collaborative initiatives with institutions and communities nationwide, including partnerships with the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti.
He commended the visionary leadership of the Oluyin, particularly for facilitating the establishment and rapid growth of the university, describing its maiden matriculation ceremony as one of the most remarkable he has witnessed.
He also praised the monarch’s proactive leadership style, noting that rather than waiting for institutions to visit him, the royal father has chosen to personally engage with educational institutions in pursuit of meaningful partnerships.
“This is a unique model of leadership that drives development through collaboration and direct engagement,” he added.