YABATECH Researchers Win $100,000 Ford Foundation Grant for Youth Development and Gender Advocacy.
Three YABATECH Faculty Members Secure Prestigious International Funding
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos State has achieved a remarkable milestone as three of its researchers successfully secured a $100,000 grant from the prestigious Ford Foundation. This significant achievement highlights the institution’s commitment to impactful research and community development.
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Award-Winning Research Team
According to Mr. Joe Ejiofor, Deputy Registrar of the college, the three researchers who collaborated on the winning proposal include:
- Dr. Adeleke Abiodun from the Department of Chemical Science
- Dr. Funmilayo Doherty from the Department of Biological Science
- Dr. Odun Orimolade from the Department of Fine Arts
Institutional Pride and Recognition
Mr. Ejiofor praised the researchers for their outstanding achievement, stating: “The researchers have done exceptionally well; we are proud of them for not only bringing honor to YABATECH but also for achieving something that will provide great support to our community.”
This year’s funding will support further development, art exhibitions, and presentations focusing on critical social issues including youth development advocacy, sexual harassment prevention, and gender-based violence awareness, along with other planned community activities.
Previous Success and Continued Excellence
This marks the second time the research team has received Ford Foundation funding. Their first grant, awarded in 2019, was instrumental in developing institutional policies on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, as well as establishing a museum for the college.
The deputy registrar, who also serves as the institution’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the significance of this continued recognition from the Ford Foundation.
Strategic Use of Grant Funding
Yaba Art Museum Development
The college management has outlined plans to utilize the second grant for the development of the Yaba Art Museum. The museum will feature several key components:
“Living Blue” Archive Presentation: A comprehensive showcase of the life and work of Chief Nike Okundaye, a prominent figure dedicated to youth development and gender advocacy.
Yaba Cartoon Nation: An innovative archive presentation demonstrating how cartooning serves as a powerful tool for social justice advocacy, particularly highlighting the contributions of Yaba alumni.
Tourism Recognition
The Theatre Art Museum has gained significant recognition, being officially listed as one of Lagos State’s designated tourism sites, further enhancing YABATECH’s profile and community impact.
Mr. Ejiofor expressed gratitude to the Ford Foundation, stating: “We sincerely thank the Ford Foundation for finding our institution worthy of this grant. It is an honor for our reputable college, and we are pleased to be associated with the foundation.”
About Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
Institutional Overview
YABATECH currently serves approximately 15,000 students with a dedicated staff of about 1,600 members. The institution was established in 1947 as the successor to Yaba Higher College and achieved autonomous status in 1969 through Decree 23.
Educational Mandate
The college’s official mandate encompasses providing comprehensive full-time and part-time courses in:
- Technology and applied science
- Commerce and management
- Agricultural production and distribution
- Research and development
Academic Structure and Programs
YABATECH offers certificate, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Post-HND programs across 8 schools and 34 academic departments, with a total of 64 accredited programs.
School of Art, Design and Printing
- Department of Fine Art
- Department of Industrial Design
- Department of Printing Technology
School of Engineering
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
School of Environmental Studies
- Department of Architecture
- Department of Building Technology
- Department of Estate Management
- Department of Quantity Surveying
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning
- Department of Land Surveying
School of Management and Business Studies
- Department of Accountancy and Finance
- Department of Business Administration
- Department of Secretarial Studies
- Department of General Studies
School of Science
- Department of Chemical Science
- Department of Biological Science
- Department of Physical Science
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics
School of Technology
- Department of Computer Technology
- Department of Food Technology
- Department of Hotel and Catering Management
- Department of Polymer and Textile Technology
School of Liberal Studies
- Department of Languages
- Department of Mass Communication
Contact Information
For comprehensive details about YABATECH programs and accredited courses, visit the official website at www.yabatech.edu.ng.
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