- Yabatech Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, calls for industry-academia partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
- The partnerships aim to provide students with practical training and prepare them for real-world challenges.
- Dr. Abdul emphasizes the importance of updating the academic curriculum to reflect current industry trends.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, has emphasized the need for tertiary institutions to foster industry partnerships. This collaboration is crucial for bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. Dr. Abdul made this call during a courtesy visit to NEM Insurance’s chairman and management team.
According to Dr. Abdul, “Industry partnerships remain at the top of our agenda. We believe these collaborations are key to ensuring our students gain practical, hands-on training that prepares them for real-world challenges.” He also highlighted the importance of updating the academic curriculum to reflect current industry trends and realities.
To achieve this, Dr. Abdul proposed several initiatives, including:
Mentoring Programme: A “Day with the Professionals or CEOs” program, where industry experts would spend a day with students to provide insights into their fields, share professional experiences, and offer guidance.
Curriculum Reviews: Encouraging corporate bodies like NEM Insurance to participate in curriculum reviews and drafting to ensure that what is taught aligns with the expectations of today’s job market.
Start-up Hubs: Creating start-up hubs in the college to serve as incubators for innovative ideas and skills development for both staff and students.
Dr. Abdul’s vision is to connect the “town and gown” through strategic collaborations that benefit students, staff, and the broader industry. By fostering these partnerships, Yabatech aims to prepare students for the challenges of the modern workplace and contribute to the growth and development of various industries, including the insurance sector.
