The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Autogig International Resources Limited to strengthen technical skills development, research collaboration, and career opportunities for its students.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the college premises, marking what stakeholders described as a “turning point” in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, a representative of YABATECH, Dr. Engr Mosud Ajala, the Director Centre for Linkages, Partnership and International Relations (CLPIR), explained that the collaboration was designed to provide students with practical exposure in the automobile and mobility technology sector.
According to him, the initiative reflects the need for Nigeria to shift its educational and developmental focus from mass emigration of skilled graduates to skill exportation.
He stated, “In one of our earlier discussions, we agreed that instead of our graduates engaging in ‘japa,’ we should be exporting skills. When they are well equipped, they can be expatriates anywhere in the world. That is the spirit with which we are signing this MoU.”
Also speaking, the institution’s Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, highlighted that the scope of the partnership is broad, covering training, job placement opportunities, and joint research initiatives.
He stressed that research should not exist in isolation but must reflect the demands of the industry. He explained that “research questions should come from the industry while we provide solutions together. That way, our students benefit, and the nation benefits.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of AUTOGIG, Tope Bukola Ojo, expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward technical revolution. He recalled the vision that gave birth to AUTOGIG, stating:
“When we started AUTOGIG, our mission was to redefine and promote automotive business in Nigeria. We discovered that one of the areas where we are most lacking is in human capital. Through this partnership, we want to co-develop training content, support research, and create real solutions that impact the industry.”
Mr. Ojo further revealed that AUTOGIG runs an academy licensed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the German Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (AHK). He disclosed that the academy is already deeply involved in training programs that cover cutting-edge areas such as electric vehicle technology and other emerging automotive trends. This, he said, reflects the company’s forward-looking vision to align Nigeria with global innovations in the mobility sector.
The CEO noted that the formalization of this partnership with YABATECH through the Memorandum of Understanding is in line with AUTOGIG’s mission to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development by investing in human capital. He emphasized that the collaboration will not only foster innovation but also enhance employability and technological advancement in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
In describing the objectives of the MoU, he explained that the partnership is structured to achieve three interrelated outcomes. First, it will provide students of YABATECH with hands-on experience and practical skills, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. Second, it will drive innovation and entrepreneurship through joint research and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that both the college and the company co-create knowledge that is relevant to the market. Finally, it will prepare YABATECH graduates to be globally competitive, equipping them with the innovative mindset and practical expertise required to excel in the automotive sector both locally and internationally.
YABATECH’s management also described the MoU as a bridge between the theoretical work done in laboratories and the practical realities of the industry. The Director of the college captured this vision in his remark, saying:
“What Nigeria needs is a bridge that will connect academia and industry. That is the bridge we are building today, and I am optimistic about the outcomes.”
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the documents, exchange of copies between both parties, and a symbolic group photograph to mark the beginning of the partnership. For stakeholders present, the event was not just a formal exercise but a landmark in strengthening Nigeria’s automotive sector through education, research, and innovation.
