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Students of the Yaba College of Technology Akoka, Lagos, have been charged to shun all forms of anti-social behaviours. This charge was handed down by the institution’s Rector, Olubunmi Owoso. He was speaking at the 2007/2008-matriculation ceremony of the college, held recently in Lagos.

In his address, Owoso disclosed that the polytechnic, in admitting the new intakes, ensured strict compliance with government’s policy on 70:30 per cent ratio in admitting science and technology-based programmmes, adding that the 2007/08 enrolment indicated a 79.9 per cent enrolment for science and technology-based courses against 24.1 per cent students admitted for business and literal studies.

In his address, he pointed out that discipline in academics, discipline in appearance and behaviour and adherence to the institute’s mission and vision are the core values of the college. According to him, "It is imperative we recognize that the ultimate purpose of your enrolment in this college is to acquire qualitative education. Therefore, you must aim at academic and professional excellence in your respective disciplines".
To achieve this he noted: "You should dedicate yourselves to consistent study, regular attendance at lectures, practical classes and tutorials; as well as optimum use of the library and other learning facilities".

Speaking further, Owoso said the college has zero tolerance for all forms of anti-social behaviours and indecent dressing. On this note, he urged the students to obey all rules or regulations of the institute, dress properly and demonstrate exemplary behaviour at all times. On no account he warned, should any student or group of students take laws into their hands, stressing that there exists effective channels of communication for any grievances. Some of these, he said, include elected student union officials, office of the Dean (Student Affairs), etc.

Addressing the students further, the college helmsman said the polytechnic has designed some compulsory courses aimed at making the students self-reliant after their stay in the institute. In his words: "One of these is entrepreneurial study which trains you from your first day in school on how to be self-reliant. It is expected that by the time you graduate, you would have acquired the necessary skills to be an entrepreneur and an employer of labour rather than just another job seeker".

For its leading role in entrepreneurial studies and programmes, YABATECH, according to Owoso, "an institute where higher education started in Nigeria about 60 years ago, recently received invitation from the Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to partner on some development projects".

Continuing, he said: "It is of note that this college is the first higher institute in Nigeria to establish a full-fledged Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, with strong linkages with the world of commerce and industry. We are corporate members of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) and the Nigerian-South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry".
Concluding, he congratulated the newly matriculated students and remarked: "You are privileged to have been selected after the keen competition through UME and the rigorous post-UME screening by the college"

A total of 2669 students were enrolled into National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes spread across the different schools-Art, Design and Printing, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Liberal Studies, Science, Management Studies, Technology-in the college.

Osondu Ihejiaku and Remi akintande were among the new intake. Sharing their joy with Daily Sun, they expressed optimism to make their stay in the college a success. In unison, the students promised to use the opportunity to better themselves and uplift the country.