In a promising move for Nigeria’s youth and the future of technical education, the Mandilas Group and the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) have formalised a partnership aimed at bridging the persistent gap between classroom learning and real-world workplace demands. This initiative seeks to elevate the employability of Nigerian graduates by equipping them with practical, industry-aligned skills and direct exposure to professional environments.
For many years, employers in Nigeria and across Africa have expressed concern that university and polytechnic graduates often lack the hands-on experience needed to thrive in technical or engineering roles. The partnership between Mandilas and Yabatech tackles this challenge head on by offering structured training that builds competency, confidence, and workplace readiness in areas where demand is rising.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Lagos, under which the newly established Mandilas Academy will deliver specialised technical training at no cost to participating students. The academy represents the philanthropic vision of the John Basil Mandilas Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Mandilas Group managed by Mandilas Trust Company Limited.
Closer Alignment Between Education and Industry
At the core of this partnership is a structured training programme designed to blend rigorous classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience. In the first phase, 75 students will be selected to participate, with 25 students already chosen through an interview process. Each participant will spend one month in intensive, instructor-led sessions at Yabatech learning technical skills, followed by two months of industry attachment. This arrangement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real work settings and builds a stronger link between academic preparation and professional expectations.
The initial focus will be on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) training, a field of growing importance in Nigeria’s expanding construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors. The programme places emphasis not just on mechanical skills but also on broader themes such as energy efficiency and sustainable cooling solutions, reflecting global engineering trends.
Mandilas Group leaders say the academy is expected to evolve into a regional hub of excellence for HVAC-R and related technical disciplines, reinforcing West Africa’s capacity in these specialised fields and supporting research and innovation.
What the Partners Are Saying
At the signing ceremony, Mrs. Ola Ayo-Adeloye, Vice Chairman of Mandilas Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Mandilas Trust Company Limited, emphasised the importance of bridging education and practical application. She said the partnership reflects a shared belief among industry and academia that sustainable national progress depends on producing graduates who are not only educated but also employable and ready to contribute immediately in professional settings.
Yabatech’s leadership has welcomed the collaboration as a strategic enhancement of its ongoing efforts to equip students with skills that meet current workplace expectations. Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yabatech, noted that the labour market increasingly values demonstrable ability over mere academic credentials. He pointed out that graduates must demonstrate competency and readiness for work if they are to compete successfully in both local and global job markets.
Taiwo Ajala, Director of the Centre for Linkages and Partnership at Yabatech, further explained the institution’s commitment to aligning the academy’s offerings with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) standards and the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This alignment ensures that participating students earn credentialed certifications that recognise their skills and not just their academic enrolment.
The institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Henrietta Badejo, described the partnership as mutually beneficial, noting that it supports both student development and industry growth by creating a pipeline of talent that meets employer needs.
A Broader Shift in Technical Education
Yabatech’s collaboration with Mandilas forms part of a larger trend towards deeper engagement between academic institutions and industry players to improve graduate employability across Nigeria. The college has been proactive in establishing partnerships that bring practical training and real-world experience into the educational process.
Over the past year, Yabatech has engaged with multiple industry partners to deliver relevant skills training and expand opportunities for its students. This includes programmes designed to enhance digital competencies, entrepreneurial capability, and practical exposure beyond traditional classroom settings.
The partnership with Mandilas complements these efforts by focusing specifically on technical skills that are highly valued in sectors experiencing growth and offering long-term career prospects for young professionals.
Implications for Nigerian Graduates and the Economy
The success of this initiative could have ripple effects throughout Nigeria’s labour market. By targeting pragmatic and in-demand skills, the Mandilas-Yabatech partnership aims to improve employment outcomes for graduates and reduce the persistent mismatch between academic credentials and job market requirements. The benefits extend beyond individual participants to the broader economy, helping to create a workforce that is technically capable, adaptable, and prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global market.
As the collaboration progresses through its phased training cycles, it has the potential to serve as a model for how industry-led training programmes can be integrated into tertiary education across the country, especially within technical and vocational fields where demand for skilled labour is high.
In a country with a young and growing population facing high unemployment and underemployment, initiatives that equip graduates with job-ready capabilities are not just welcome but essential. The Mandilas-Yabatech partnership moves urgently in this direction, helping to shape a future where Nigerian graduates are not only credentialed but also competent and confidently employable in the world of work.
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