YABATECH, Fashola advocate deep reforms, excellence in public service
YABATECH, Fashola advocate deep reforms, excellence in public service
The call for institutional transformation gained momentum as YABATECH, Fashola advocate deep reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s public service and entrench a culture of excellence.
The Chairman of Yaba College of Technology Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, emphasized the need for systemic change, reinforcing the position that YABATECH, Fashola advocate deep reforms across public institutions.
Afolabi, represented by Mr Ebenezer Akinbolade, former Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishment, made the call at the 2nd Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards held on Thursday in Lagos state.
The event, with the theme, ‘Institutional Reforms and Entrenching the Culture of Excellence in Public Service’, featured honours for Dr Tajudeen Olusi, Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe and Mr George Okufi for exemplary leadership and service.
The guest speaker, a former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, said Nigeria’s public institutions could achieve lasting reform only through strong systems, clear processes and accountability, not reliance on individual performance or leadership personalities.
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Fashola, represented by Dr Oluremi Olaleye, former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, said no public officer could override a properly structured system built on due process and institutional safeguards.
‘Lagos does not need performing governors; it needs a system where excellence is embedded in the structure such that even if a weak leader emerges, the system will correct itself,” he added.
Fashola, also a past Lagos State Governor, identified structural, cultural and accountability reforms as the foundation of institutional strength
He stressed rules, shared values, professionalism and measurable systems supported by technology for transparency and monitoring.
“Accountability must be transparent and measurable. Systems should be designed in such a way that they cannot be manipulated. Technology can help ensure compliance and eliminate excuses,” he said.
In his address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the awards reflected the institution’s commitment to excellence, professionalism and impactful service across all levels of its operations.
Abdul said the honoured staff distinguished themselves through commitment, efficiency and effective service delivery, strengthening institutional performance, reputation and administrative productivity within the college system.
‘Today, we also honour our dedicated staffers who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields through commitment, effective and efficient impact on institutional performance and image, professionalism and outstanding service delivery,” he explained.
The rector added that the eminent Nigerians were recognised for leadership, resilience, integrity and enduring societal contributions, noting that they had left lasting footprints across their respective fields of influence.
“By celebrating these distinguished personalities, we are not only recognising their remarkable efforts but also setting a high standard for others to emulate in leadership and service,” he said.
He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to entrenching a culture of excellence while strengthening its position as a hub for innovation, discipline and transformative education in Nigeria’s tertiary system.
The outstanding members of staff in the various units, smiled home with cash rewards facilitated by the College Council including one million naira each for the best Academic and Non-Academic staff.
