The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions, marking a deliberate move to align classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by YABATECH’s Deputy Registrar, Mr. Adekunle Adams, the college said the partnership is designed to ensure that students graduate with practical, market-relevant and competitive skills needed in today’s evolving labour market.
Adams explained that the MoU provides a clear framework for integrating academic studies with paid employment, enabling students to gain real-world exposure while completing their education.
According to him, the Group Head of Sterling Academy, Mr. Kola Oluyemi, described the initiative as part of Sterling Bank’s broader commitment to building a future-ready workforce through intentional collaboration with academic institutions.
Oluyemi noted that the programme seeks to address youth unemployment and graduate unemployability by closing the disconnect between school curricula and industry expectations. He said participants would gain professional competencies alongside academic qualifications, making them more competitive upon graduation.
The initiative targets National Diploma graduates and undergraduates, who will combine paid work placements at Sterling Bank with ongoing academic studies. Participants will also benefit from scholarships provided by the bank under its Grow with Sterling initiative.
Adams quoted the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, as describing the partnership as a strategic intervention aimed at repositioning technical education in Nigeria. According to the rector, the goal is to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also practically skilled and equipped with meaningful industry exposure.
The Director of the Centre for Linkages, Partnership and International Relations at YABATECH, Dr. Mas’ud Ajala, also highlighted the relevance of the programme, noting that it responds directly to current labour market realities. He said National Diploma graduates remain in high demand across several sectors, adding that the college is fully committed to the programme’s implementation.
Both YABATECH and Sterling Bank expressed confidence that the partnership would serve as a model for similar collaborations nationwide. Adams added that preparations for implementation have been concluded and the programme is expected to commence shortly.