Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), in partnership with the Ford Foundation, on Wednesday, unveiled the biggest Art Museum in the Nigerian tertiary education system. Besides the launch of the museum tagged: ‘Yaba Art Museum’, the college also unveiled a policy document called ‘YCT Policy on Sexual Harassment and other Forms of Gender-based Violence’.

The Museum, a project supported by Ford Foundation is housed inside the basement of YABATECH School of Art, Design and Printing, the foremost and oldest Art School in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, Rector of the college, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe, who described the museum as the first of its kind, acknowledged that the college had produced great artists and lauded their contributions towards the realisation of the art museum project.

“The Art Museum will serve both cultural and education purposes, with the intent to teach, train and be a resource space for both researchers and learners,” he said.He expressed appreciation to the Ford Foundation for support and award of $100,000 for the project.

“I thank Professor Paul Nwulu, Ford Foundation Senior Programme Officer and Debaseki, Dr. Mac-Ikemenjina, Programme Officer and Ms Joy Ehinor-Ezezobor, Grant Manager of Ford Foundation West Africa,” Omokungbe added.

He warned against all forms of gender-based violence, saying the launch of the 36-page policy document reaffirms the college commitment to eliminate and prevent sexual harassment in the college. He sought the support of well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, stakeholders and friends of the college for the forthcoming launch of N50 billion Endowment Fund to assist the college in upgrading and development of it’s infrastructure to aid learning and research.

Mrs. Hazmat Akinbile-Yusuf, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a goodwill message, lauded the management of the college for scoring another first with the initiative, especially as a Centre that has contributed significantly to the socio-economic and political development in the area of Research, Innovations, Teaching and Learning.

It is important that management of this institute explore collaborative synergy with the State Government in this area such that this Art Museum put up by the management of this institution can be put into good use,” the Commissioner said.