Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics possess the expertise and research capacity needed to develop home-grown solutions to the country’s growing security challenges, the Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funso Afolabi, has said.
Afolabi stated this during a visit by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, to YABATECH, where discussions focused on education, security, innovation and community development.
According to him, tertiary institutions have the intellectual resources required to design innovative security technologies and community-based interventions capable of supporting national security objectives.
“Nigeria’s tertiary institutions possess the intellectual capacity and research potential required to develop innovative security systems and community-based solutions that can support national security objectives,” he said.
Afolabi identified security technology as one of several strategic areas where collaboration between educational institutions and local communities could generate meaningful socio-economic benefits.
He stressed the need for stronger partnerships involving tertiary institutions, traditional rulers, local communities and government agencies, noting that such collaborations are essential for sustainable development, youth empowerment and innovation-driven growth.
“The future of national development lies in strategic partnerships that connect educational institutions, local communities and traditional leadership structures. These partnerships create opportunities for innovation, human capital development and inclusive growth,” he added.
The council chairman called for a national policy framework that would strengthen cooperation among higher institutions, traditional authorities and host communities.
According to him, traditional rulers have evolved beyond ceremonial responsibilities and now play critical roles in education, security, economic development and community mobilisation.
He noted that Nigeria’s development aspirations would be more easily achieved when educational institutions and traditional authorities work together to address societal challenges.
Drawing lessons from Iyin-Ekiti, Afolabi cited the establishment and growth of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences as evidence of the benefits of community-led educational development.
He emphasised the need for policies that promote stronger linkages between tertiary institutions and their host communities, arguing that educational development cannot be separated from community participation and ownership.
Afolabi also advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education as a strategy for addressing unemployment, poverty and skills gaps among Nigerian youths.
He said institutions such as YABATECH have a crucial role to play in advancing the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through workforce development, entrepreneurship training and technological innovation.
Responding, Oba Ajakaiye described the visit as a strategic engagement aimed at producing tangible developmental outcomes.
“I deliberately came with members of our technical and development committees because I want this visit to yield concrete results. We want a partnership that will add value to Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom and also extend the impact of Yaba College of Technology to our community,” he said.
The monarch disclosed that the kingdom was developing a comprehensive security architecture to address emerging security challenges and improve community safety.
He expressed confidence that YABATECH’s expertise in technology and innovation could contribute significantly to the development of indigenous security solutions with wider national relevance.
Welcoming the delegation, the Rector of YABATECH, 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.
Abdul reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes.
“We are committed to the training of young girls in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition with a view to preparing them for the future and empowering them to become wealth creators,” he said.
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