Lagos: YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has pledged to deepen skills‑driven training through a new partnership with the Mandilas Foundation, insisting that workplace success hinges on competence and practical ability rather than certificates alone.
He spoke during a level engagement and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the John Basil Mandilas Foundation to strengthen academic-industry collaboration.
Abdul described the partnership as a milestone, saying, “It is no longer about certificates alone, but what students can do with their hands and minds.”
The collaboration will launch an HVAC R training programme via Mandilas Modulus Academy, blending classroom instruction with hands-on industrial exposure to bridge theory and practice.
Selected students will undergo one month of intensive classroom training, followed by two months of industry-based experience, enhancing competence, confidence, and workplace readiness skills.
“YABATECH will provide certified quality assurance assessors to align the curriculum with National Skills and Professional Qualifications frameworks, ensuring global relevance and recognised standards,” Abdul said.
The Rector noted that YABATECH, at 79 years, shares a heritage with Mandilas Group, approaching 75 years, and described the partnership as timely for shaping students’ future excellence.
He stressed that early work experience promotes discipline, professionalism, and ethics, and expressed confidence that the partnership will produce responsible, industry-ready graduates with nationwide impact.
Mandilas Trust Company Executive Vice Chairman, Ola Ayo-Adeloye, said, “Education aligned with practical application drives national development. Our Academy offers free training, certifications, and mentorship.”
The initiative aims to strengthen curriculum relevance, expand partnerships, and evolve Mandilas Academy into a West African centre of excellence producing ethical, skilled, globally competitive graduates.
