Boost For YABATECH Students As CIS Unveils Funding, Training And Career Opportunities
The career prospects of students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) received a major boost on Tuesday as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) announced a robust package of funding support, training programmes and career pathways aimed at grooming young professionals for Nigeria’s financial markets.
The CIS delegation, led by its Registrar/CEO, Mr. Ayo Adeonipekun, who represented the President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Oloropo Dada, visited the institution to address senior management and students on the opportunities available through the Institute’s certification programmes.
Mr. Oloropo Dada, who was unavoidably absent due to an official assignment abroad, conveyed his apologies and assured the college of his commitment to deepening engagements with YABATECH.
Speaking at the session, the Registrar described YABATECH as “Nigeria’s first tertiary institution and an enduring symbol of academic excellence,” noting that the visit forms part of the Institute’s drive to build a vibrant pipeline of young professionals for the capital market. He explained that the CIS- established by Act 105 of 1992 – offers globally recognized certifications that open doors to unlimited career opportunities locally and internationally.
He highlighted two key certification routes: the flagship CIS Professional Examination and the Certified Securities and Investment Support Specialist (CSISS) examination, both now fully digitised and accessible to candidates anywhere in the world.
He added that the syllabus has recently been expanded to include emerging areas such as digital assets, cryptocurrency and block chain-based investment models, in line with the Federal Government’s 2025 digital economy agenda.
In a development that excited many students, the Registrar announced that CIS is intensifying efforts to provide financial support for young Nigerians who wish to pursue the certification but are constrained by funding.
He revealed that an endowment-based support scheme is being designed in collaboration with industry employers and CIS alumni, as he personally committed to sponsoring at least three YABATECH students annually through his foundation.
Other members of the CIS delegation reinforced this commitment. They disclosed that several partner organizations are willing to fund examinations for qualified students, citing the example of a company currently financing 10 students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) who have met the required academic standard.
Responding, the Rector, Dr. Engr Ibraheem Abdul, praised the Institute for its forward-looking initiatives and expressed the college’s readiness to expand collaboration with CIS in curriculum development, co-teaching arrangements and industry immersion programmes.
He disclosed plans to introduce an institutional loan/grant scheme to support students seeking professional certifications and appealed to CIS to consider rebate-based encouragement to ease the financial burden.
The rector emphasized that industry engagement is crucial to restoring students’ confidence in education amid increasing distractions. “The youth of today need inspiration,” he said. “We want professionals from the industry to come into our classrooms and show them the real possibilities that education and certification can unlock.”
Dr. Abdul noted that YABATECH recently produced students who qualified for major professional examinations while still in school, stressing that more can be achieved through strengthened partnerships and student-focused incentives.
The CIS delegation, in their final remarks, assured the Rector of continued support through scholarships, training via the CIS Academy, mentorship, retirement planning sessions for staff, and industry placements for outstanding students.