Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) celebrated a landmark moment Friday with the launch of the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) program and the All-Girls Tech Hub.
The event, attended by dignitaries from Lagos State, the British High Commission, and UNICEF, underscores the institution’s commitment to empowering young women through education and skills development.
Her Excellency, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, was represented by Mrs. Anike Adekanye, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 2 and 5, who delivered an inspiring speech and officially launched the event. Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu emphasized the critical role of education in transforming the lives of young women and commended YabaTech for its proactive approach in addressing the educational and economic challenges faced by girls in Nigeria.
Also in attendance were key Lagos State officials, including, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abayomi Abolaji. Their presence highlighted the state’s commitment to advancing girls’ education and skill development.
Dr. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), represented by South West Director Elder Ayo Aroge, pledged the board’s support for the initiative, aligning it with their mandate to promote technical and vocational education across the nation.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Johnny Baxter, joined the event online, delivering a speech that underscored the importance of international collaboration in empowering young women. “Investing in girls’ education is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one,” said Mr. Baxter. “Programs like GESP are vital in building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”
UNICEF’s representative, Babagana Aminu, also attended the event, reiterating the organization’s support for the GESP program and its goals. He emphasized UNICEF’s dedication to creating a supportive environment where girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
Dr. (Engr) Ibraheem A. Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, spoke passionately about the transformative power of educating girls, noting that the GESP program aims to equip adolescent girls and young women aged 13-24 with essential ICT skills, including Computer Hardware Repair, Mobile Phone Repair, Website Development, and Mobile Application Development.
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our institution but for the girls and young women within our community,” said Dr. Abdul, adding that “when we invest in the education of girls, we are investing in the future of families, communities, and nations.”
Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, the GESP Project Coordinator, echoed these sentiments in her welcome address. She highlighted the importance of the All-Girls Tech Hub, which will provide young women with the necessary support, mentoring, and training to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“This initiative is a beacon of hope for many young women who are eager to break barriers and take control of their futures,” said Dr. Doherty.
The launch event, which was attended by distinguished guests and key stakeholders, culminated in the official unveiling of the All-Girls Tech Hub. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing young women with entrepreneurship and business support, including business training, career advice, and mentoring. The Tech Hub aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping women generate income and build sustainable careers in the tech industry.
The success of the GESP program is a result of the collaborative efforts of the dedicated project team, which includes Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, Dr. (Engr) Ibraheem Abdul, Engr. Adebayo Adebari, Dr. Olusola Dada, Dr. Idowu Aneyo, and Amos Alade.
Their tireless work, along with the support of international partners such as the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF, and Generation Unlimited, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
