YABATECH inaugurates public lecture to honour principal officers, extols virtues of former registrar

By: Modupe George

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State, has inaugurated a public lecture as its way of celebrating and showing appreciation to principal officers of the college who have shown unwavering dedication and commitment during their tenures.

The rector of the college, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, made the disclosure in his address at the maiden edition of the public lecture, featuring the presentation of a Compendium entitled, ‘The Man, The Rule and The Pen’ in honour of the immediate past registrar of the college, Dr Sikiru Olukayode Momodu, to mark the end of his tenure.

This was contained in a release made available to the  Nigerian Tribune and signed by the college’s chairman of Public Lecture and Compendium Committee, Mr Adekunle Adams.

While harping on the need to foster a culture in public service that upholds the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability, the rector maintained that “governance today faces multifarious difficulties to pave the way for a culture in public service.”

Abdul charged guests present at the event on the gravity of their obligations, stating that “It is not just the responsibility of our politicians, but also of all citizens, to uphold the values of good governance.

“We can develop a society that lives on justice, equality, and trust, by embracing a culture that values ethics and integrity.”

Chairman governing council, YABATECH, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the efforts of the celebrant in reforming the registry unit of the college and for setting a new pace in public service.

He described Dr Momodu as a man of many virtues, especially integrity, transparency and accountability.

He emphasised that, in the celebrant’s five years of occupying the position of the registrar in the college, he proved himself as an exemplary civil servant.

Prince Fagbemi, represented by Mr Peter Nwabueze Okolie, a chief lecturer in the Department of Food Technology of the college, urged staff of the registry to take a cue from Dr Momodu’s exemplary life and perform whatever function they are assigned with unwavering determination and integrity.

The guest speaker, the chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences, Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), who was represented by the agency’s Director of System Study Review and ICT, Barrister Abbia Udofia, spoke on the topic ‘Law and Ethics: Evolving Law Culture in Public Service for Good Governance.’

According to Professor Owasanoye, law and ethics are crucial elements to evolving new culture in institutions like public service, while good governance will emerge with conscious and consistent ethical structures and efforts by the people and society.

He encouraged public officials and citizens to stand up for the law, good ethics and value for good governance.

He further outlined the roles the ICPC plays in the culture of good governance and encouraged the attendees to leave a track record of integrity in public service..

Responding, Dr Momodu disclosed that his administration was able to digitalise the operations of the registry, especially in the aspect of sending memo and circulation of appraisal forms among members of staff, as well as the collection of transcripts by former students, who can now apply online and get it delivered within a very short period of time, which have all resulted in increased efficiency in service delivery.

“Though I encountered a lot of challenges, the challenges are for the prosperity of today,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a 99-page Compendium titled: “The Man, The Rule and The Pen,” a compilation of works and presentations of the celebrants Dr. Olukayode Momodu.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were the rector of YABATECH, Mr Abdul Ibraheem; immediate former rectors of YABATECH, Mr Obafemi Omokungbe and Mr G.M. Okufi; the chairman Governing Council, YABATECH, represented by Dr Peter Nwabueze Okoli; former deputy rectors, YABATECH; Mrs Moji Bello and Dr Titilayo Ukabam; registrars emeritus, YABATECH, Mrs Fehintola Taiwo and Ms Biekoroma Charity, among others.