By DAYO ADESULU
Introduction of the Partnership
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) is set to sign a significant agreement with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) aimed at enhancing the skills of the girl-child through training in Mobile App Development, Web Application Development, Computer Repairs, and GSM Phone Repairs.
Promoting Girl-Child Education
This initiative, designed to foster girl-child education in Lagos State, will be conducted through YABATECH’s All Girls’ Tech Hub as part of the Girls Education Skills Partnership (GESP). The training program will span three months and will culminate in the awarding of the National Skill Qualification (NSQ), a certification recognized globally.
Dr. Abdul’s Visit to the Ministry
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by YABATECH’s Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, to Honourable Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner of Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Dr. Abdul emphasized the college’s eagerness to collaborate with the ministry, particularly following the commissioner’s earlier visit for the GESP launch.
A Symbiotic Relationship for Skill Development
During the meeting, Dr. Abdul stated, “We are keen to form a functional collaboration with the Ministry to align our goals with theirs.” He highlighted the college’s commitment to community development and skill acquisition, particularly in poverty alleviation programs that provide sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Abdul further explained that skill acquisition is crucial for poverty alleviation, and YABATECH has been actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian youths. He noted partnerships with organizations like the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in Canada, which have helped develop programs for skill training.
Collaboration with Global Organizations
To offset the costs of training, YABATECH is seeking partnerships with organizations to provide subsidized training. Dr. Abdul mentioned collaboration with UNICEF, which has allowed the college to train 5,000 girls in Information Technology (ICT) skills at no cost. The college is eager to train girls in Mobile App Development, Web Application Development, Computer Repairs, and GSM Phone Repairs.
Facilities and Resources
YABATECH’s All Girls Tech Hub offers robust training in collaboration with Computer Village. The college boasts a significant work-based learning center in Computer Village, funded by Tertiary Institution Trust Fund (TETFund), with established partnerships for hands-on training.
Gender-Sensitive Training Initiatives
Dr. Abdul also addressed the importance of gender-sensitive pedagogy, stating that YABATECH trains teachers to eliminate gender bias in education. He called for Lagos teachers to undergo this training, emphasizing the role of gender responsiveness in effective teaching.
Positive Response from the Ministry
In her response, Honourable Cecilia Bolaji Dada expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, reiterating that the ministry could supply 5,000 girls for the training. She confirmed that the skills provided by YABATECH were not currently part of the offerings at the ministry’s 19 skills acquisition centers.
Promoting Awareness and Collaboration
The Commissioner pledged to promote the training program in collaboration with YABATECH to ensure that girls in Lagos State are aware of this opportunity. She also assured that YABATECH staff willing to volunteer for community service will be invited to facilitate programs within the ministry.
Conclusion
YABATECH’s initiative, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, marks a significant step towards empowering the girl-child through technology training, fostering a brighter future for young women in Lagos.
