Ecobank, YABATECH partner to launch Lagos Pop-Up Museum |

In a major stride toward strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy, Ecobank Nigeria Limited and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have entered into a strategic partnership to host the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, a multidisciplinary art and innovation exhibition scheduled to hold from November 8, 2025 to February 2026.

The initiative, jointly organised by the Yaba Art Museum and Ecobank Pan-African Centre, aims to showcase Nigeria’s artistic excellence.

It is also meant to advance youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and institutional collaboration between the corporate and educational sectors.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the College, the Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, expressed the bank’s commitment to promoting creativity and innovation as drivers of national development.

“We recognise the pivotal role Yaba College of Technology plays in nurturing Nigeria’s creative community,” Lawal said, adding: “Our objective is to give greater visibility to the remarkable work emanating from this institution through the Ecoscopic Pop-Up Museum. 

“We are fully committed to ensuring that this partnership yields lasting impact, especially for young people whose talents continue to define the nation’s creative landscape.”

He noted that Ecobank remains dedicated to maintaining integrity and excellence in all its collaborations, adding that the partnership represents an opportunity to create meaningful social and economic value through art and culture.

Lawal, however, lauded the project’s objectives and pledged Ecobank’s full support, including financial contributions and promotional efforts to enhance its visibility and reach.

Responding, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the partnership as a welcome development that aligns with the institution’s vision of fostering creativity and innovation among its students.

According to Engr. Abdul: “We are delighted to collaborate with Ecobank on this important project.

“Our students, whom we regard as our diamonds, will benefit immensely from this initiative, which provides an avenue to showcase their skills and creative potential. 

“Beyond the Pop-Up Museum, we look forward to expanding this partnership into other mutually beneficial areas.”

In her detailed overview of the upcoming exhibition, the Curatorial Director of the Yaba Art Museum, Dr. Odun Orimolade, revealed that the Lagos Pop-Up Museum would feature five thematic halls addressing issues of restitution, archiving, sustainability, and water consciousness, among others.

Orimolade disclosed that one of the key components, the Adoption Hall, would allow artists, alumni, and patrons to donate or purchase artworks, with proceeds used to sponsor the education of indigent Yabatech students.

 “Our goal is to support up to a thousand students through this model, creating a sustainable framework for art-based philanthropy,” she explained. “If successful, this initiative could serve as a national template for supporting underprivileged youths through creative engagement.”

Dr. Orimolade further noted that the exhibition would involve multiple academic departments, including marine engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, and hospitality and tourism, reflecting the College’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

“This partnership is about creating positive social impact and protecting the legacy of an institution that continues to contribute immensely to national development,” he said, adding: “We are proud to be associated with YABATECH and its transformative work in the creative sector.”