Posted by Chinenye on Tue 05th May, 2026 - tori.ng
Yaba College of Technology has awarded a total of ₦11.85 million to 157 staff members in recognition of outstanding performance, professionalism, and institutional commitment during its Annual Distinguished Service Lecture and Awards ceremony.
(YABATECH front gate. photo credit: Yaba Technology Education)
Yaba College of Technology has given N11.85 million to 157 employees in appreciation of their commitment, efficiency, professionalism, and exceptional service.
At the second Annual Distinguished Service Lecture and Awards, which took place in the institution's multipurpose hall, the staff members were given their awards.
Two employees got N1 million each for being the greatest employees overall; ten employees won N250,000 each for being the best employees in schools and units; and 147 employees from other departments received N50,000 apiece.
Dr. Ogunyemi O. I. of the School of Engineering was determined to be the finest teaching staff member, while Mrs. Okanlawon Mutiat of the Rectory unit emerged as the overall best non-teaching staff member.
Dr. Olujoke Asekere from the School of Liberal Studies, Dr. Olayemi Wasiu from the School of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Olaniyi Oluseyi from the School of Environmental Studies, Dr. Ogundipe Olubunmi from the School of Science, and Dr. Ogunyemi O. I. from the School of Engineering were the top ten employees across all schools and units.
Aluko Salaudeen of Works and Services, Adebisi Abosede of the Bursary unit, Idowu Ibrahim of the Library unit, Moses-Jumbo Margaret of the Registry unit, and Mrs. Okanlawon Mutiat of the Rectory unit are some of the other finest employees overall.
Speaking, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, stated that the purpose of the reward was to recognize dedicated employees and encourage them to keep providing exceptional service to the organization.
"We honor 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," he stated.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were also given to Tajudeen Olusi, the chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council; Majekodunmi Okufi, the college's first rector; and Ishola Olorunnimbe, the retired chief judge of Lagos State.
According to the Rector, the three honorees were chosen for their long-lasting contributions to leadership, education, government, and national development.
"We honor three distinguished Nigerians whose outstanding leadership has left lasting impressions in their respective spheres of influence," Abdul declared.
"Their exceptional contributions exemplify excellence, tenacity, honesty, and enduring influence." By honoring these notable individuals, we are not only acknowledging their outstanding work but also establishing a high bar for others to follow.
"Our shared conviction that genuine leadership is determined by service, vision, and the constructive transformation of society is strengthened by their recognition today."
In their individual statements, the honorees thanked the college administration for the honor and urged that more award ceremonies be held in order to inspire individuals to be more committed to helping others.
In his guest lecture, "Institutional Reform and Entrenching the Culture of Excellence in Public Service," former Lagos governor Raji Fashola emphasized 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.
However, Fashola stated that leaders must deal with common "resistance to change, capacity deficit, corruption, and discontinuity in political leadership" while putting institutional reforms into practice.
Prof. Funso Afolabi, Chairman of the YABATECH Governing Council, emphasized that ongoing institutional reforms were necessary due to the swift socioeconomic change and rising public expectations.
Ebenezer Akinbolade, a member of the governing council representing Afolabi, also emphasized the necessity of maintaining an excellence system as a distinguishing culture inside the public sector.
"Institutional reform is not just about policy adjustments and administrative restructuring," stated Afolabi. It involves a comprehensive reevaluation of service delivery methods, accountability structures, and ideals.
It necessitates visionary, open, and determined leadership. It calls for a workforce that is not only skilled but also morally upright and dedicated to the greater good.