By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr (Engr.) Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, has been awarded IORMS FELLOW by the Institute of Operations Research and Management Science at the recently concluded international IORMS/YABATECH WORKSHOP on the theme Operations Research and Optimization Techniques: Applications and Software Solutions on the 3rd and 4th of November, 2026 at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos.
Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul is a distinguished academic, accomplished engineer, and visionary administrator with over three decades of experience in the fields of education, engineering, and institutional leadership.
As the 7th substantive Rector of Yaba College of Technology, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive education.
Dr. Abdul began his educational journey at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School, Osholake, between 1974 and 1976. He continued in Ansar-ud-Deen College, Isolo, where he obtained both his O-Level and A-Level certificates in 1981 and 1983 respectively.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from same UNILAG, Master’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from Okayama University, Japan.
In recognition of his contributions to entrepreneurship, innovation and academia, he has the following conferment, including three (3) Fellowship awards:
Fellow of the Global Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Environmental Engineers (FNIEng), Fellow, National Association of Technologies in Engineering (FNATE)
He is also a Corporate Member Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Registered Member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
His higher academic career began in earnest in 1993 when he joined the service of Yaba College of Technology as Lecturer II, rising through the ranks to become Chief Lecturer in 2012. He was appointed Rector of the College in May 2023.
Dr. Abdul has previously served as Director of the Flexible Skills Development Centre, Director of the Centre for Open, Distance, and Flexible e-Learning, and Acting Dean of the School of Engineering, He has participated in numerous conferences and seminars both locally and internationally, always advancing strategies that promote innovation, empowerment, and institutional growth.
His strategic contributions to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are reflected in his participation in key international workshops and colloquia in Kenya, Zambia, and Nigeria, where he advanced discussions on sustainable development, green curriculum integration, and flexible learning systems. As part of his reforms at Yaba College of Technology, he introduced the formation of Industry Advisory Committees, established Science, Technology, and Business Incubation Hubs in each school, created the YABATECH Industry Alliance Group, and launched YABATECH Ventures to enhance internally generated revenue.
Under his leadership, Yaba College of Technology has witnessed a remarkable expansion in partnerships and collaborations. He facilitated several TETFund intervention grants for skills development and established several institutional collaborations with leading international universities such as Okayama University, Japan; Kobe Institute of Computing, Japan; Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design, Germany; and the University of Northampton, United Kingdom, etc. Through the partnership with Choice International Group, China, 25 students from the School of Engineering were awarded full scholarships to study Automobile and Automation Technology In China.
A forward-thinking leader, his vision centers on repackaging, exploring, and consolidating opportunities for sustainable development through grants, endowments, and strategic stakeholder engagement. His focus remains on global branding, personalized learning for all students including those with special needs, and making Yaba College of Technology the first in Africa in quality and inclusive technical education.
His contributions to education and TVET have earned him prestigious recognitions, including induction into the African Legendary Hall of Fame in 2024 and the Award of Excellence Initiative.
Further reflecting his leadership in technical skill development, he was appointed as a member of the National working committee for World Skills Nigeria in January, 2026.
He has been involved in Operational research for development activities in his days as an Associate lecturer, teaching OR courses, in the department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, which is the home and headquarters of IORMS Nigeria.
Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul is happily married and blessed with children. His life and career continue to inspire excellence, resilience, and progress in Nigeria’s educational and technological advancement.
