Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has reiterated its commitment to gender equality in engineering and STEM fields.
He said this when the leadership of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), paid a courtsy Visit to him at the at college Council Chamber.
Rector Dr. Ibraheem Abdul outlined the college’s comprehensive plans to increase female representation and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and reiterated the college’s commitment to supporting APWEN’s goals; stating the necessity of the town and gown relationship as it plays crucial roles in providing students with practical and real-world exposure.
Abdul announced the college’s plans to establish Industry Advisory Committees within each faculty to foster closer ties between the college and relevant industries by ensuring that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their careers.
The rector frowned at the prevalent concerns regarding “half-baked” graduates, stressing that YABATECH is determined to change this narrative by producing graduates, who are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready.
He acknowledged that increasing the representation of women in engineering is a priority for the college and lauded APWEN’s initiatives in this regard.
In a significant move towards empowering female students, Dr. Abdul revealed that college recently secured a $1 million grant to advanced professional and skills training for female students, particularly those pursuing careers in STEM.
Dr. Abdul assured APWEN members that the college is committed to transforming its students, especially young women into job creators rather than job seekers.
He promised that the college would not relent at sponsoring desired staff at participating in various conferences, seminars, and professional development programs to further enhance their skills and career prospects.
Abdul reiterated the college openness to collaborations, partnerships, and linkages that would benefit both students and faculty, particularly in the context of advancing the cause of women in engineering and other STEM fields.
He assured that the college is poised to play a leading role in shaping a future where female engineers are not only welcomed but also thrive in their chosen fields.
APWEN President Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim praised YABATECH’s commitment to gender equality and highlighted the need for mentorship and career development opportunities for female engineers.
She emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and practical industry experience, urging YABATECH to provide more opportunities for female students to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills.
Dr. Osim emphasized APWEN’s mission to mentor and guide young engineers, with a particular focus on encouraging more girls to pursue engineering and other STEM courses.
She also advocated for the college’s support in sponsoring programs, workshops, and conferences aimed at enhancing the skills of both students and faculty members in the engineering fields.
Osim addressed the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and practical industry experience and called on YABATECH to bolster its efforts in creating opportunities for female engineers by ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry upon graduation.