By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, Oct. 24, ’25 (TNZ) The students of Yaba College of Technology are poised for a significant uplift in global academic career prospects.
TheNewsZenith reports that this development came to light as the premier college hosted the “Study in French Conference” at its main campus in Yaba.
This development follows a high-level educational partnership that the premier institution is working out with French institutions.
With this collaboration, students of Yaba College of Technology are poised to attain higher global academic career prosperity.
The partnership, driven by a deep-rooted historical relationship, promises to make world-class French higher education more accessible and affordable for Nigerian graduates.
TheNewsZenith reports that this development came to light as the premier college hosted the “Study in French Conference” at its main campus in Yaba.
The conference featured a large delegation of French universities and specialised institutions. This signals a robust expansion of academic and cultural ties.
Addressing the gathering, the Rector of Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, described the conference as a significant step in strengthening the educational and cultural bridge with France.
He highlighted the institution’s long-standing relationship with the French Government.
According to the Rector, the relationship began over three decades ago with the donation of advanced equipment that birthed the college’s Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering.
“Today’s conference aligns perfectly with our commitment to international collaboration and our vision to position Yabatech as a globally competitive, innovation-driven institution,” TheNewsZenith quotes Abdul as stating.
He reiterated the college’s ’ERECT Agenda’ as a strategic framework focused on empowering staff. Abdul added ERECT seeks to repackage academic programmes, explore collaborations, consolidate revenue and tap into grants.
“This strategy is designed to ensure graduates are not only employable but industry-ready.
“It is being implemented through key centres like the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations (CLPIR),” he added.
The Rector also underscored specific areas where the synergy with France would yield immediate benefits for students.
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“The focus is to leverage the strength of Yabatech’s School of Art, Design and Printing. The school is one of the foremost art schools in West Africa.
“We are confident HND graduates in Fine Art, Graphic, and Industrial Design can seamlessly transition into Master’s degrees in France.
“The collaboration will establish dual certification programmes and capacity building in technical and vocational education, essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“Joint research partnerships in critical areas like sustainability, renewable energy and digital innovation are on the table.
“They offer students and faculty exposure to cutting-edge international research.
“Student and staff exchange programmes and French language training will foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for a globalised marketplace,” TheNewsZenith quotes Abdul as saying.
The French delegation made a strong case for why Nigerian students should choose France.
TheNewsZenith reports that the delegation comprised representatives from prestigious institutions like Université de Lille, Kedge Business School and multiple engineering and art schools.
France seeks more international students
Ms Oumou Diakité, Deputy Head of the Africa Unit, Campus France, said that France is actively seeking to increase its international student numbers. According to her, this is aiming for 500,000 by 2027.
Diakité noted that student mobility from Nigeria has seen a 76 per cent increase over the last five years, a trend the French government is keen to accelerate.
She gave a detailed, significant account of the financial and academic advantages of the French system. These included affordable tuition, English-taught programmes and generous government aid.
“The French Government heavily subsidises public higher education, extending the same rights to international students as French nationals.
“We have removed a major barrier, with over 1,800 programmes now fully taught in English across Master’s, PhD. And, even some Bachelor’s levels.
“Students receive substantial financial assistance, including housing aid, which can cover a large portion of monthly rent, and free health insurance,” TheNewsZenith quotes Diakité as saying.
She reassured the gathering that international students have the same rights as French and European students. (TNZ)
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