By DAYO ADESULU
In a major move to address Nigeria’s persistent skills mismatch and graduate unemployment challenge, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and Sterling Bank Plc have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the long-standing gap between academic learning and industry demands.
The collaboration, sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Council Chamber of YABATECH, introduces a structured work-study programme designed to equip students with practical, market-ready skills while they continue their academic pursuits.
The YABATECH Sterling Bank partnership is expected to integrate classroom instruction with hands-on workplace experience, ensuring that graduates leave school better prepared for the realities of the modern labour market.
Sterling Bank: Aligning Education with Real Industry Needs
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Group Head of Sterling Academy, Mr. Kola Oluyemi, described the initiative as a deliberate effort by the bank to build a future-ready workforce through collaboration with academic institutions.
According to Oluyemi, aligning academic training with real-world industry needs remains critical to tackling youth unemployment and strengthening Nigeria’s talent pipeline.
He explained that the partnership was conceived as a practical response to the growing disconnect between what students are taught in school and what employers expect in the workplace.
“This programme is designed to help students acquire not just academic qualifications, but also professional competencies, work ethics, confidence, and real-life experience,” Oluyemi said.
He noted that the work-study model would enable participants to combine paid employment at Sterling Bank with continued education, thereby reducing financial barriers while improving employability outcomes.
Work-Study Model Targets ND Graduates, Undergraduates
Under the YABATECH Sterling Bank partnership, the programme will primarily target National Diploma (ND) graduates and undergraduates.
Oluyemi disclosed that beneficiaries would gain direct industry exposure through structured roles within Sterling Bank while pursuing further education supported by scholarships provided by the financial institution.
He added that the initiative is anchored on Sterling Bank’s Grow with Sterling programme, a human capital development strategy that recognises skilled manpower as a key driver of sustainable national growth.
Through this framework, students are expected to graduate with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, positioning them as competitive candidates in Nigeria’s evolving job market.
YABATECH Rector Hails Strategic Shift in Technical Education
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the partnership as a strategic step towards repositioning technical and vocational education for relevance, impact, and national development.
He reaffirmed YABATECH’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also equipped with hands-on skills and meaningful industry exposure.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of preparing students for the realities of the workplace,” Engr. Abdul said.
He stressed that institutions of learning must go beyond theory, especially in a rapidly changing economy where employers increasingly prioritise practical competence over paper qualifications.
Strengthening ‘Town and Gown’ Relationships
Engr. Abdul further noted that the YABATECH Sterling Bank partnership reinforces the institution’s long-standing advocacy for stronger “town and gown” relationships.
According to him, effective collaboration between academia and industry is essential for shaping relevant curricula, improving training delivery, and enhancing student development.
“When industry actively participates in the education process, students benefit immensely, and the nation gains a workforce that is better prepared for productivity and innovation,” he added.
Labour Market Realities Drive the Initiative
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Linkages, Partnership and International Relations at YABATECH, Dr. Mas’ud Ajala, said the initiative was developed in response to current labour market realities.
He revealed that engagements with private sector leaders consistently showed that National Diploma graduates are among the most sought-after talents in today’s job market due to their technical orientation and adaptability.
“We are proposing a work-and-study opportunity for our ND graduates. This initiative responds directly to the needs of society and industry,” Dr. Ajala said.
“There are available job opportunities, and we want our graduates to key into them while continuing their education,” he added.
Dr. Ajala assured stakeholders that YABATECH would provide full institutional support to ensure the programme delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes.
A Model for Academia–Industry Collaboration in Nigeria
Both YABATECH and Sterling Bank expressed confidence that the partnership would serve as a model for effective academia-industry collaboration across Nigeria’s education sector.
With the formal signing of the MoU, implementation of the initiative is set to commence immediately, marking a significant step towards narrowing the skills gap, improving graduate employability, and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base.
As unemployment remains a pressing concern nationwide, initiatives such as the YABATECH Sterling Bank partnership highlight the growing importance of practical, solution-driven collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector.
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