The Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos, has approached Yaba College of Technology for collaboration in science education, research, laboratory development and manpower support as it works to fulfil its technology driven mandate.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Oshikoya, made this known during a visit to YABATECH, where he outlined areas of potential partnership that could support the new university's early stage academic and infrastructural development.

Oshikoya noted that FUSTECH was established as a specialised institution to produce graduates with cutting edge competencies in science, technology and innovation, with a mandate to train students capable of competing globally and creating jobs rather than depending solely on formal employment.

"We considered it appropriate for a new institution like FUSTECH to pay homage to one of Nigeria's foremost tertiary institutions. Beyond that, we have come to explore areas of collaboration that will enable us to fulfil our mandate," he stated.

The vice chancellor disclosed that the university had secured intervention funding of ₦4 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for critical infrastructure, including laboratories, information and telecommunications technology facilities, faculty buildings and a university library. He noted, however, that delays in land acquisition and documentation had slowed physical development on the permanent site, making interim partnerships with institutions that already have functional facilities necessary.

YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, welcomed the proposal and commended FUSTECH for seeking collaboration within Nigeria rather than looking exclusively to foreign institutions for partnerships.

Abdul described the approach as a progressive model that other Nigerian institutions should adopt, stressing that institutional cooperation was essential for sustainable educational development and for maximising available resources.