Yaba College of Technology has rewarded 157 staff members with N11.85m in recognition of their dedication, effectiveness, professionalism and outstanding service delivery.
- +YABATECH rewards 157 staff with N11.85m
The staff received their rewards at the second edition of the Annual Distinguished Service Lecture and Awards held at the multipurpose hall of the institution.
The staff received their rewards at the second edition of the Annual Distinguished Service Lecture and Awards held at the multipurpose hall of the institution.
Two members of staff emerged as the best overall staff, each receiving N1m; 10 staff members emerged overall best staff in schools and units, each getting N250,000; while 147 staff members across departments won N50,000 each.
Mrs Okanlawon Mutiat of the Rectory unit emerged as the overall best non-teaching staff, while Dr Ogunyemi O. I. of the School of Engineering was adjudged the best teaching staff.
The 10 overall best staff in schools and units were Dr Olujoke Asekere of the School of Liberal Studies, Dr Olayemi Wasiu of the School of Agricultural Technology, Dr Olaniyi Oluseyi of the School of Environmental Studies, Dr Ogundipe Olubunmi of the School of Science, and Dr Ogunyemi O. I. of the School of Engineering.
Other overall best staff are Mrs Okanlawon Mutiat of the Rectory unit, Idowu Ibrahim of the Library unit, Moses-Jumbo Margaret of the Registry unit, Aluko Salaudeen of Works and Services, and Adebisi Abosede of the Bursary unit.
Speaking, the Rector, YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the reward was to appreciate committed staff while motivating them to continue to render excellent service to the institution.
He said, “We honour our dedicated staff who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields through commitment, effectiveness and efficient impact on institutional performance and image, professionalism and outstanding service delivery.”
The event also saw the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to the Chairman, Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi; pioneer Rector of the college, Majekodunmi Okufi; and retired Chief Judge of Lagos State, Ishola Olorunnimbe.
The Rector said the three honourees were awarded for their enduring contributions to education, governance, leadership and national development.
Abdul said, “We celebrate three eminent Nigerians whose exemplary leadership has left indelible footprints in their respective spheres of influence.
“Their outstanding contributions embody excellence, resilience, integrity, and lasting impact. By celebrating these distinguished personalities, we are not only recognising their remarkable efforts but also setting a high standard for others to emulate.
“Their recognition today reinforces our collective belief that true leadership is measured by service, vision, and the positive transformation of society.”
The award recipients, in their separate remarks, appreciated the college management for the honour, enjoining that such award ceremonies should continue as a way to encourage people to be more devoted to service to humanity.
Former Governor of Lagos, Raji Fashola, delivered the guest lecture titled “Institutional Reform and Entrenching the Culture of Excellence in Public Service,” where he stressed that institutions must always have in place accountability systems and transparency mechanisms to ensure excellence and curb corruption.
Represented by ex-Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Oluremi Olaleye, the former minister promoted the imperative of a servant leadership model in institutions.
He noted the need for structural reforms in accordance with the dynamism of the world, but stressed that such transformation would be efficiently carried out if staff are regularly exposed to capacity training.
In implementing institutional reforms, Fashola, however, said leaders have to grapple with typical “resistance to change, capacity deficit, corruption and discontinuity in political leadership.”
Chairman, Governing Council, YABATECH, Prof Funso Afolabi, stressed that continuous reforms in institutions were expedient owing to rapid socioeconomic transformation and increasing public expectations.
Afolabi, represented by a member of the governing council, Ebenezer Akinbolade, also stressed the need to sustain a system of excellence as a defining culture within the public service.
Afolabi said, “Institutional reform is not merely about policy adjustments or administrative restructuring. It is about a fundamental rethinking of values, accountability frameworks and service delivery mechanisms.
“It demands leadership that is visionary, transparent, and resolute. It requires a workforce that is not only competent but also driven by integrity and a commitment to the common good.”
