Through the introduction of a structured work-study program for students, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and Sterling Bank Plc. have formed a strategic relationship to bridge the gaps between academic training and industrial requirements.
This is stated in a statement that YABATECH Deputy Registrar Mr. Adekunle Adams signed on Friday.
Adams described the framework for implementation and the goals of the Memorandum of Understanding.
He claimed that the cooperation was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the college.
According to him, the goal of the MoU was to combine classroom instruction with real-world work experience so that students would graduate with competitive, market-ready abilities.
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Adams cited Mr. Kola Oluyemi, Group Head of Sterling Academy, as saying that the program demonstrated the bank’s dedication to creating a workforce prepared for the future by intentional cooperation, matching academic training with actual industry need to combat young unemployment.
According to Adams, Oluyemi explained that the alliance was a reaction to graduate employability issues and the disparity between school curricula and corporate expectations, enabling participants to develop professional competencies alongside academic diplomas.
“The program is aimed at undergraduates and National Diploma holders who will work at Sterling Bank for pay while continuing their education. They will also be eligible to receive scholarships from the bank under the Grow with Sterling initiative.”
Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of YABATECH, was cited by Adams as saying that the alliance was a strategic move to reposition technical education and produce graduates who would be academically solid, practically adept, and equipped with relevant industrial exposure.
Additionally, he cited Dr. Mas’ud Ajala, Director of YABATECH’s Center for Linkages, Partnership, and International Relations, who stated that the curriculum addressed the realities of the labor market.
Adams said that both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership would serve as a national model, adding that the implementation would soon begin.
He claimed that while the college had committed to full implementation, National Diploma holders were in great demand.
