By LEVI ADESULU
In a historic recognition of academic excellence and professional development, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has been conferred with the ICAN Corporate Merit Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). The award presentation took place during the institute’s prestigious 2025 Award and Dinner Night, held at the Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos.
ICAN Recognises YABATECH’s Exceptional Impact on Accounting Profession
The 2025 edition of the ICAN Award and Dinner Night was designed to celebrate individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the accounting profession in Nigeria. At the heart of the ceremony was the presentation of the ICAN Corporate Merit Award to YABATECH, Nigeria’s premier tertiary institution, for its long-standing role in shaping generations of chartered accountants.
Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, received the award from the ICAN Diamond President, Chief Davidson Alaribe, amidst a standing ovation from attendees. The Rector expressed heartfelt gratitude to ICAN for recognising the college’s invaluable contributions to the accounting landscape.
“We are deeply honoured by this award. It is a call to continue upholding the integrity of the accounting profession and to do more in developing quality professionals,” Dr. Abdul said.
YABATECH: A Historic Pillar in ICAN’s Legacy
In a touching tribute during the presentation, Chief Davidson Alaribe, the 60th President of ICAN and an alumnus of the college, reminisced on the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. He proudly declared:
- Poverty and Artificial Intelligence in Developing Nations: Yabatech Don Calls for Urgent Action
- https://crediblenews.com.ng/yabatech-clears-the-air-no-involvement-in-nel/
“My Rector, I’m presenting this award to you and at the same time receiving it, being a product of this great college.”
Notably, Yaba College of Technology holds a special place in ICAN’s history. It served as the venue for the institute’s first-ever professional examination. Moreover, the college has consistently produced graduates who qualify as chartered accountants right from the undergraduate level — a remarkable feat unmatched by any other institution in Nigeria.
ICAN Corporate Merit Award Underscores YABATECH’s Excellence
According to ICAN, the decision to honour YABATECH with the Corporate Merit Award was based on the institution’s consistent record in producing competent accounting graduates, many of whom have gone on to excel in both the public and private sectors.
Dr. Abdul reiterated that the college remains committed to excellence and will continue contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s accounting profession. He assured the audience that the award would inspire even greater efforts in advancing academic standards, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Notable Guests Grace ICAN Award and Dinner Night
The ceremony was graced by several prominent personalities from the accounting, academic, and political spheres. Among the dignitaries present was Pa George Majekodunmi Okufi, the first indigenous Rector of YABATECH and the pioneer Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of ICAN. His presence added historic depth to the evening.
Also in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, and the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, who received an award on behalf of the State Governor. In the academic category, Professor Ademola Tayo, President and Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, was also honoured with a Distinguished Service ICAN Merit Award.
A New Era: YABATECH Transitions to Federal University of Technical and Vocational Studies
In a parallel development, Yaba College of Technology is on the verge of a major transformation. The institution is set to commence operations as the Federal University of Technical and Vocational Studies, pending the final enactment of the enabling law by the National Assembly.
The transition bill has already passed second reading in the Senate. Once completed, this upgrade is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s capacity to deliver specialised, technical, and vocational education aligned with global standards.
Conclusion: Honouring the Past, Building the Future
The ICAN Corporate Merit Award to YABATECH is more than an institutional honour — it is a celebration of legacy, excellence, and commitment to national development. As Nigeria pushes for more robust professional standards across sectors, institutions like YABATECH are proving to be invaluable partners in that journey.
With its upcoming transformation into a federal university and its deep-rooted connection to ICAN, Yaba College of Technology remains at the forefront of academic excellence and professional development in Nigeria.
#ICANMeritAward, #YABATECH, #YabaCollegeOfTechnology, #AccountingProfessionNigeria, #ICANAwards2025, #NigerianEducation, #FederalUniversityOfTechnology, #ICANCorporateMeritAward, #NigeriaHigherEducation, #TechnicalEducationNigeria, #CharteredAccountantsNigeria,
