The Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funso Afolabi, has said that Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics possess the intellectual capacity and research potential to develop homegrown technological solutions capable of addressing the country's growing security challenges.

Afolabi asserted during a visit by the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, to the YABATECH campus, describing security technology as one of several strategic areas where collaboration between educational institutions and communities could generate measurable socio economic benefits.

"The future of national development lies in strategic partnerships that connect educational institutions, local communities, and traditional leadership structures. These partnerships create opportunities for innovation, human capital development, and inclusive growth," Afolabi stated.

He called for a national policy framework to strengthen collaboration among Tertiary Institutions, traditional Institutions, local communities, and government agencies, arguing that such partnerships were critical to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and innovation driven growth.

Afolabi noted that modern traditional rulers had evolved beyond ceremonial roles to become critical stakeholders in education, security, economic development, and community mobilisation. He pointed to developmental strides recorded under Oluyin's leadership, particularly the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, as evidence of what community led educational development could achieve.

He further advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education as a tool to address unemployment, poverty, and skills deficits among Nigerian youths, adding that institutions such as YABATECH had a crucial role in supporting the Federal Government's economic diversification agenda.

Responding, Oba Ajakaiye said the visit was a strategic engagement aimed at producing concrete outcomes, disclosing that his kingdom was developing a comprehensive security architecture to address emerging threats.

"I deliberately came with members of our technical and development committees because I want this visit to yield concrete results. We want a partnership that will add value to Iyin Ekiti Kingdom and also extend the impact of Yaba College of Technology to our community," he stated.

YABATECH Rector Dr Ibraheem Abdul welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as a follow up to commitments made during the monarch's coronation anniversary celebrations in 2025. Abdul reaffirmed the college's commitment to empowering young Nigerians, particularly girls, through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes.