Lotus Bank, YABATECH Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Digital Innovation, Student Empowerment
Funmi Ogundare
Lotus Bank and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have sealed plans to deepen their institutional partnership in digital innovation, student empowerment and infrastructural renewal, as the 77-year-old college accelerates its transition into a specialised university of technology.
At a meeting held at the college Council Chamber, Lotus Bank’s delegation, led by the Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Akin Adegoke, met with the Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul and other principal officers to map out new areas of collaboration.
Adegoke explained that the bank is determined to go beyond traditional banking by co-developing a digital banking curriculum, supporting annual hackathons, and building smart campus solutions.
“Our objective is to expand this partnership beyond financial services. We are committed to empowering students with digital training opportunities, cooperative financing, and financial products that promote inclusion and innovation,” Adegoke said.
He cited similar partnerships that the bank has already executed with Lagos State University, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, and Kwara State Government, which yielded initiatives such as smart identity cards, digital payment solutions, and corporate social responsibility projects.
The rector commended the bank for beginning its engagement with CSR initiatives before commercial dealings, describing it as a demonstration of sincerity and long-term commitment.
“Our determination is to build partnerships that directly benefit our students and improve our infrastructure as we move toward becoming a university of technology and vocational studies.”
He also pointed to YABATECH’s ₦50 billion endowment fund launched in 2022, which is targeted at infrastructure renewal and innovation projects.
Both parties agreed to phases in the collaboration, starting with smart ID cards for students and staff and the rollout of digital payment systems within the college community. Other proposals on internships, event sponsorship, staff housing through YABATECH Homes Limited, online learning platforms, and expanded Wi-Fi access were also tabled for implementation.
