Yaba College of Technology partners with French institutions to expand study opportunities and foster global academic collaboration for Nigerian students

Yaba College of Technology has entered a strategic partnership with French universities and specialised institutions, marking a major step toward improving global academic and career opportunities for Nigerian students.

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The collaboration, anchored in a long-standing relationship between Nigeria and France, aims to make world-class French higher education more accessible and affordable for Nigerian graduates.

The initiative was formalised during the ‘Study in France Conference’ hosted by YABATECH, featuring a high-level French delegation representing universities and leading institutions across art, business, and engineering disciplines.

Rector Dr Ibraheem Abdul described the conference as a milestone in strengthening educational and cultural bridges between both countries.

“The conference aligns with our commitment to international collaboration and vision to position the polytechnic as a globally competitive, innovation-driven institution,” he said.

Dr Abdul highlighted that YABATECH’s relationship with France began over three decades ago, when the country donated advanced equipment that helped establish the Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering.

He said the new partnership will further strengthen the institution’s international standing under its ERECT Agenda — a development framework focused on empowering staff, repackaging academic programmes, exploring collaborations, consolidating revenue, and securing grants.

He emphasised that the synergy with France would benefit several departments, particularly the School of Art, Design and Printing, regarded as one of the foremost art schools in West Africa.

Through the pact, HND graduates in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Industrial Design will have the opportunity to transition seamlessly into Master’s degree programmes in France.

The agreement also seeks to create dual certification programmes, enhance technical and vocational education, and build capacity for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Joint research in sustainability, renewable energy, and digital innovation is also being developed, alongside student and staff exchange programmes and French language training.

The French delegation — including representatives from **Université de Lille, Kedge Business School, and several art and engineering schools — highlighted France’s ambition to host 500,000 international students by 2027.

Ms Oumou Diakité, Deputy Head of the Africa Unit at Campus France, said student mobility from Nigeria has increased by 76 per cent in the past five years, and the French government is eager to deepen that growth.

She noted that France offers affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, and strong government support, making it one of the most attractive study destinations for African students.

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With this renewed academic bridge, Yaba College of Technology is positioning itself as a gateway for Nigerian students to global innovation, nurturing a new generation of graduates ready to compete and collaborate in the international knowledge economy.