The Yaba College of Technology has rewarded outstanding staff members and honoured notable Nigerians at the second edition of its Annual Distinguished Service Lecture and Awards, held at the institution’s multipurpose hall.
At the event, two staff members emerged as overall best performers, each receiving N1 million, while 10 staff across schools and units were awarded N250,000 each.
In addition, 147 staff members from various departments received N50,000 for their contributions.
Mrs Okanlawon Mutiat of the Rectory unit was named overall best non-teaching staff, while Dr Ogunyemi O. I. of the School of Engineering emerged as the best teaching staff.
Other awardees recognised as top performers across schools and units included Dr Olujoke Asekere (School of Liberal Studies), Dr Olayemi Wasiu (School of Agricultural Technology), Dr Olaniyi Oluseyi (School of Environmental Studies), and Dr Ogundipe Olubunmi (School of Science). Also honoured were Idowu Ibrahim (Library unit), Moses-Jumbo Margaret (Registry unit), Aluko Salaudeen (Works and Services), and Adebisi Abosede (Bursary unit).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector, Ibraheem Abdul, said the awards were aimed at recognising dedication and motivating staff to sustain excellence in service delivery.
“We honour our dedicated staff who have distinguished themselves through commitment, professionalism, and impactful contributions to institutional performance,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to prominent figures, including Tajudeen Olusi, Majekodunmi Okufi, and Ishola Olorunnimbe, in recognition of their contributions to education, governance, and national development.
Delivering the guest lecture titled “Institutional Reform and Entrenching the Culture of Excellence in Public Service,” former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in public institutions.
Represented by Dr Oluremi Olaleye, Fashola advocated a servant leadership model and stressed the importance of continuous staff training to drive effective institutional reforms.
He, however, noted that reform efforts often face challenges such as resistance to change, capacity gaps, corruption, and policy discontinuity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Funso Afolabi, highlighted the need for sustained reforms in response to evolving socio-economic realities.
He stressed that institutional transformation requires visionary leadership, strong accountability systems, and a workforce committed to integrity and service.
Award recipients, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the college management and called for the continuation of such initiatives to encourage dedication and excellence in service.
Credit: ThePunch
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