By Peter Omopo
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, has honoured the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, with its prestigious Fellowship Award in recognition of his long-standing contributions to educational development in Nigeria.
The award was presented during the institution’s 37th convocation ceremony, according to a statement released on Sunday by the senator’s media aide, Kayode Odunaro.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described Senator Adeola—widely known as Yayi—as a consistent advocate for technological education and national development. Abdul noted that the senator had played a significant role in the push for the institution’s upgrade to a full-fledged university of technology, a process that spanned multiple legislative cycles.
In his response, delivered on his behalf by Bolaji Oyeleye, Senator Adeola expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational system.
“I am very delighted with this award from the renowned YABATECH. As a senator, I have made several attempts to upgrade YABATECH to a university of technology, considering its capacity and long-standing contributions to technological education,” he said.
Adeola highlighted his efforts in both the 8th and 9th National Assembly, where he sponsored and re-sponsored bills seeking the college’s upgrade. Although the senators passed the bill on both occasions, he explained that legislative timelines prevented its concurrence by the House of Representatives.
He commended Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for reintroducing the bill in the 10th Assembly, where it was eventually passed by both chambers and later assented to by President Bola Tinubu. Adeola said the upgrade would bolster Nigeria’s capacity to produce highly skilled manpower for industrial and technological advancement.
The senator also praised the institution’s leadership, Governing Council, staff, and students for the recognition, assuring them of his continuous legislative support as YABATECH begins its transition into a university of technology.
Senator Adeola has recently been recognised by various student groups for his contributions to educational welfare. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) jointly commended him for awarding scholarships and bursaries to more than 3,000 students in Ogun West. According to their statement, beneficiaries received ₦200,000 scholarships and ₦100,000 bursaries to support their academic pursuits.
The student bodies noted that Adeola’s interventions have significantly eased financial pressures on students, further cementing his reputation as a steadfast supporter of education in Nigeria.
