As part of its ongoing mission to support educational development and youth empowerment in Nigeria, the Fola Ogunsola Foundation (FOF) paid a significant visit to the UNEVOC Centre at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos. This visit was aimed at exploring new collaborative avenues in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and to further align the Foundation’s initiatives with global best practices in youth skills development.
UNEVOC Centres, established under UNESCO’s global TVET strategy, serve as hubs for promoting skills for the world of work—particularly in developing countries. The centre at YABATECH is one of Nigeria’s key institutions committed to equipping students with industry-relevant skills, practical training, and career readiness in technical fields.
During the visit, representatives from FOF met with UNEVOC Centre coordinators, administrators, and student leaders. Discussions revolved around the challenges faced by Nigerian youth in gaining hands-on experience and the importance of integrating technical education with character and entrepreneurial development. Mrs. Fola Ogunsola shared her vision of a youth population that is not just educated, but empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
She noted, “Vocational education is a powerful tool for national development. It provides a pathway for many young people who may not follow traditional academic routes but possess incredible potential. Our foundation is here to support, enhance, and advocate for platforms like this that are doing vital work.”
The visit also featured a tour of the UNEVOC Centre’s facilities, including technical workshops, innovation labs, and career development units. FOF expressed admiration for the level of infrastructure and the commitment to practical learning evident at the centre. Students engaged in the programs had the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges, many of which highlighted the need for increased mentorship, funding for tools and materials, and exposure to real-world industry standards.
The Foundation pledged future collaboration in areas such as training support, internship placement, mentorship programs, and access to entrepreneurial resources. FOF believes that by supporting technical institutions like YABATECH’s UNEVOC Centre, we can better prepare Nigeria’s youth to become job creators and self-reliant citizens.
This visit marks another strategic step in FOF’s broader mission to nurture a generation of skilled, confident, and value-driven young Nigerians ready to shape the future.