By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria’s push for a skills-driven economy has gained fresh momentum as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to transform polytechnics into engines of industrial production, with Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) emerging at the centre of the unfolding reform.
The development came into sharp focus during an official inspection visit by the Ministerial Committee on Skills Development and Engineering Workshop Intervention to the institution, where key stakeholders reaffirmed a decisive shift from theory-based education to innovation, product development, and global competitiveness.
FG Skills Development Drive Targets Polytechnic Transformation
Leading the delegation, President of the , Prof. Sodiq Abubakar, made it clear that the Federal Government is determined to overhaul Nigeria’s education system by prioritising practical skills and industrial relevance.
According to him, the longstanding emphasis on certificates without corresponding technical competence has weakened the nation’s workforce and limited its industrial capacity.
He stressed that the newly established monitoring committee was designed to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes in government investments across tertiary institutions, particularly in polytechnics and colleges of education.
“We have focused on certification for too long, while practical skills have been neglected. That must change,” he stated during his engagement with Yabatech management.
“One Polytechnic, One Product” Initiative Gains Ground
At the heart of the reform is the Federal Government’s “One Polytechnic, One Product” initiative — a strategic programme aimed at converting academic research and prototypes into commercially viable products.
Prof. Abubakar explained that the committee had been divided into regional teams, with the South-West group tasked with assessing selected institutions, including Yabatech, based on their readiness to align with the initiative.
Under the programme, polytechnics are expected to identify marketable innovations, build partnerships with industry players, and establish production systems capable of competing both locally and internationally.
The initiative draws inspiration from post-war industrial models, particularly Japan’s transformation through manufacturing excellence and innovation-led growth.
“We are no longer interested in research that ends on paper. We want production, branding, and global competitiveness,” Abubakar said.
Yabatech Tipped as Future Industrial Powerhouse
The committee described Yabatech as one of Nigeria’s most strategically positioned polytechnics, citing its legacy in engineering and technical education as a key advantage.
Officials noted that the institution has the potential to evolve into a full-fledged industrial hub, where research, teaching, and innovation converge into tangible products capable of attracting investment and generating employment.
This vision aligns with the broader FG skills development drive, which seeks to reposition polytechnics as catalysts for economic growth rather than mere academic institutions.
The government has also signaled readiness to provide substantial funding through intervention agencies to support scalable innovations and strengthen industry collaboration.
Experts Call for Shift to Innovation-Driven Enterprise
Another committee member, Engr. Olawunmi Gasper, highlighted the urgent need to move beyond traditional academic metrics such as accreditation and certification.
He pointed out that many institutional workshops across the country are filled with abandoned prototypes due to weak commercialisation frameworks and lack of industry linkages.
“The narrative is changing. Polytechnics must now function as mini-industries, not just training centres,” he said.
He further emphasised that collaboration with private sector players would be critical in bridging the gap between innovation and market success, particularly in areas such as branding, marketing, and product distribution.
Funding Constraints Remain a Major Challenge
Responding to the committee’s observations, Yabatech Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, describing it as both timely and transformative.
He acknowledged that while the institution has recorded significant progress in research and innovation, financial limitations have consistently hindered the transition from prototype development to full-scale production.
According to him, several patented inventions developed by the institution’s researchers have struggled to reach the market due to the high cost of testing, validation, and industrial production.
“Even producing samples for testing can be extremely expensive. Funding has always been our biggest challenge,” he explained.
Renewed Push for Commercialisation and Partnerships
Despite the challenges, Dr. Abdul disclosed that Yabatech has intensified efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation.
The institution has begun engaging researchers, patent holders, and industry stakeholders to explore viable pathways for scaling its innovations into market-ready products.
He affirmed that the college is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s vision and is prepared to play a leading role in driving the transformation of Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Technical Education
The FG skills development drive represents a significant turning point in Nigeria’s educational and industrial landscape. By linking academic output directly to economic production, the government aims to reduce unemployment, boost local manufacturing, and enhance global competitiveness.
If successfully implemented, the “One Polytechnic, One Product” initiative could redefine the role of polytechnics, positioning them as vital contributors to national development.
For Yabatech, the spotlight now comes with heightened expectations — not just as a centre of learning, but as a hub of innovation capable of delivering products that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global standards.
As stakeholders continue to push for results, the success of this initiative may well determine how quickly Nigeria transitions from a certificate-driven economy to a skills-powered industrial nation.
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