Nigerian students, particularly those from Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), are set to gain broader international academic opportunities following a landmark collaboration between the college and leading French institutions.
The partnership, rooted in decades of educational exchange, seeks to make world-class French higher education more accessible, affordable, and beneficial to Nigerian graduates.
At the recently concluded “Study in France Conference”, hosted by YABATECH, a delegation of French universities and specialised institutions outlined the framework for expanded academic and cultural cooperation. The event marked a new phase in Nigeria–France educational relations and was attended by senior administrators, faculty members, and students eager for cross-border academic engagement.
Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the collaboration as a continuation of the institution’s long-standing relationship with France — one that began over thirty years ago when the French government donated advanced equipment that led to the creation of the Department of Industrial Maintenance Engineering.
According to Dr. Abdul, the partnership aligns with the school’s strategic ERECT Agenda, a five-pillar vision designed to Empower staff, Repackage academic programmes, Explore collaborations, Consolidate revenue, and Tap into grants. He noted that the agenda is being implemented through key units such as the Centre for Linkages, Partnerships and International Relations (CLPIR) to ensure YABATECH graduates remain globally competitive and industry-ready.
“The conference is another step in strengthening the educational and cultural bridge with France,” Dr. Abdul said. “It reaffirms our commitment to international collaboration and positions YABATECH as an innovation-driven institution that competes on a global scale.”
The collaboration is expected to create new pathways for dual certification programmes, capacity building in technical and vocational education, and joint research in areas such as sustainability, renewable energy, and digital innovation. It will also facilitate student and staff exchange programmes and French language training, aimed at enhancing cross-cultural understanding and preparing students for a globalized workforce.
Highlighting the importance of YABATECH’s School of Art, Design and Printing—one of the foremost art schools in West Africa—Dr. Abdul expressed optimism that graduates from Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design will be able to pursue master’s degree programmes in France under the new agreement.
The French delegation included representatives from Université de Lille, Kedge Business School, and several engineering and art institutions. They emphasized that France remains an attractive study destination due to its affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, and strong government support for international students.
Ms. Oumou Diakité, Deputy Head of the Africa Unit at Campus France, noted that France is working to increase its international student population to 500,000 by 2027. She revealed that Nigerian student mobility to France has already grown by 76 percent in the past five years — a trend the French government is keen to accelerate.
“With our rich academic culture, global research networks, and accessible education system, France welcomes more Nigerian students to experience learning that blends excellence, innovation, and inclusivity,” Diakité said.
The partnership signals a major leap forward for Nigerian tertiary education, positioning YABATECH as a catalyst for transnational learning and as a bridge between Africa’s creative and industrial potential and Europe’s evolving knowledge economy.
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