Some newly admitted students of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have said that self-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) education has become necessary for personal development and future career relevance in an increasingly competitive labour market.
During the institution’s 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony, several matriculants emphasised, in interviews with AIbase, the need for students to acquire AI-related skills outside the classroom through online learning platforms and digital resources.
Among them was Chidinma Udejemba, a 20-year-old Public Administration student, who described AI education as a proactive step toward future career success.
“I started learning AI while seeking admission. You can educate yourself through TikTok, YouTube, and AI teaching apps. I also plan to take more AI courses while in school,” she said.
Adebayo Faith, a newly admitted Banking and Finance student, also acknowledged the growing importance of AI in shaping modern careers.
“This is the AI generation, so it is important to learn about it. I will wait for lectures to begin fully so I can properly combine AI courses with my academic timetable,” she stated.
Also speaking, Maryam Aisha, a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Epe Campus, noted that her institution already operates departments related to Computer Science and Robotics, adding that technology-driven learning is gradually improving educational delivery.
“We already have it, and it is functioning very well. I will understand more about the department when lectures resume fully,” she said.
The students’ views reflect the growing awareness among young Nigerians about the relevance of AI and digital skills in preparing for an evolving technology-driven economy.
YABATECH matriculated over 17,130 students across its various schools and departments during the institution’s 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held at the Dr Philip Adegbile Sports Pavilion.
The event attracted major stakeholders in the education sector, including representatives of academic governing bodies, alumni, parents, guardians, and other well-wishers of the institution.
In his keynote address, the Rector of the institution, Dr Engr. Ibraheem A. Abdul charged the newly admitted students to uphold the institution’s culture of excellence and remain worthy ambassadors of the college.
“You are lucky because we had over 25,000 applicants for admission, but only 17,130 were successfully admitted and matriculated. You have gone through a rigorous process, and that process has qualified you for the journey ahead,” he said.
The Rector also revealed that YABATECH, which will clock 80 years next year, remains one of Nigeria’s foremost higher institutions with a longstanding reputation for technological innovation and industry-driven education.
“For almost eight decades, YABATECH has produced graduates who continue to shape the technological and industrial landscape of our nation and beyond,” he added.
Dr Abdul further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the institution’s transition to a full-fledged University of Technology and Vocational Studies.
The institution currently operates several schools and departments across diverse disciplines, including the School of Technology, School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Management and Business Studies, School of Environmental Studies, School of Art, Design and Printing, School of Liberal Studies, School of Technical Education, and the School of Agriculture and Industrial Technology.
Departments within the institution include Computer Technology, Food Technology, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Accountancy, Banking and Finance.
Others include Marketing, Public Administration, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management, Fine Art, Industrial Design, Printing Technology, Mass Communication, General Art Studies, and Science Education.
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Although Artificial Intelligence has not yet been fully incorporated into the institution’s academic curriculum, many students expressed optimism that self-learning and digital platforms would help bridge the gap and prepare them for future opportunities in the global digital economy.
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