Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) made history on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when over 300 engineering graduates were inducted as Graduate Members of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) immediately after their convocation.
The dual ceremony, the first of its kind in any Nigerian polytechnic, drew academics, industry leaders, government officials, and excited families who witnessed the institution set a new national standard for professional engineering induction.
Performing the induction, the National President of NATE, Engr. Technologist Dominic Udoatan—represented by the National Secretary, Engr. Technologist Ibidapo Kayode Samuel—praised the graduates for their resilience and reminded them of their crucial role in nation-building.
He said the event aligns with the COREN mandate on professionalizing polytechnic engineering training, declaring:
“This event enhances professionalism, boosts confidence, and instills self-esteem in the engineering graduating students. It is the first of its kind in Nigerian polytechnics and monotechnics. I am not surprised because YABATECH has been known for technical, vocational, engineering, and technological education since 1947.”
He added that the induction—done at a reduced cost and without examinations—confers global professional recognition, a privilege enjoyed only by engineering technologists from Nigeria and South Africa.
Charging the graduates, he said: “Your mandate is clear: uphold the ideals of COREN and NATE, avoid fraudulent practices, expand the frontiers of technology, and be models of service and innovation.”
Udoatan also emphasized that the new members now qualify for professional meetings, seminars, and mentorship opportunities that will boost their employability and competitiveness under Nigeria’s Washington Accord status.
Represented by Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, COREN President Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar congratulated the inductees and urged them to prioritize ethics and public safety in their practice.
He told them: “You are graduating at a time when Nigeria needs problem solvers. Do not wait for opportunities—create them. Let your integrity be stronger than the temptation to cut corners. Your name is your most valuable asset.”
He applauded the rigor of polytechnic education and the support of lecturers, parents, and sponsors.
Welcoming the inductees, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, described the event as an epoch-making milestone for the institution, noting that the graduates were privileged to be the first set inducted on graduation day.
The ceremony featured oath-taking conducted by COREN Registrar, Engr. Prof. O. A. U. Uche, followed by NATE’s formal induction and the presentation of excellence awards—including the loudest ovation for the overall best graduating engineering student from Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
A keynote by Engr. Dr. Omolola Adetona rounded off the memorable ceremony with a call to innovate, explore, and uphold global standards in their professional journey.
Reporting by lnnocent Onoh