The Chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funso Afolabi, has said that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions have the capacity to develop innovative security technologies and community-based solutions to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
Afolabi stated this during a visit by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, to YABATECH.
Afolabi said universities and polytechnics have the intellectual resources and research capacity required to design home-grown technological solutions that can support national security objectives.
He identified security technology as one of several strategic areas where collaboration between educational institutions and communities could generate socio-economic benefits.
Afolabi said, “Nigeria’s tertiary institutions possess the intellectual capacity and research potential required to develop innovative security systems and community-based solutions that can support national security objectives.
“The future of national development lies in strategic partnerships that connect educational institutions, local communities and traditional leadership structures. These partnerships create opportunities for innovation, human capital development and inclusive growth.”
He stressed the need for a national policy framework that would strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions, traditional institutions and local communities.
According to him, modern traditional rulers have evolved beyond ceremonial roles to become critical stakeholders in education, security, economic development and community mobilisation.
He called for stronger collaboration among tertiary institutions, traditional institutions, local communities and government agencies, stressing that such partnerships were critical to sustainable development, youth empowerment and innovation-driven growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s development aspirations would be better realised when educational institutions and traditional authorities work together to tackle societal challenges.
Drawing lessons from Iyin-Ekiti, Afolabi noted that the developmental strides recorded under the leadership of the Oluyin, particularly the establishment and growth of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, demonstrated the value of community-led educational development.
He emphasised the need for policies that promote stronger linkages between higher institutions and their host communities, noting that educational development cannot be isolated from community participation and ownership.
The council chairman added that community support remains a critical factor in the sustainability and success of tertiary institutions, citing the successful take-off of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences.
Afolabi further advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education as a means of addressing unemployment, poverty and skills deficits among Nigerian youths.
He said institutions such as YABATECH have a crucial role to play in supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through workforce development, entrepreneurship training and technological innovation.
Responding, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti described the visit as a strategic engagement aimed at delivering tangible developmental outcomes rather than a ceremonial exercise.
“I deliberately came with members of our technical and development committees because I want this visit to yield concrete results. We want a partnership that will add value to Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom and also extend the impact of Yaba College of Technology to our community,” he said.
Oba Ajakaiye disclosed that the kingdom was developing a comprehensive security architecture designed to address emerging security challenges and promote safer communities.
He expressed optimism that YABATECH’s expertise in technology and innovation could significantly contribute to developing indigenous security solutions with national relevance.
Welcoming the delegation, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the visit as a significant follow-up to commitments made during the monarch’s three-in-one coronation anniversary celebrations in 2025.
Abdul said the college remained committed to empowering young Nigerians, particularly girls, through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes.
“We are committed to the training of young girls in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition with a view to preparing them for the future and empowering them to become wealth creators,” he said.
