The chairman, DSE Foundation, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has expressed his excitement over the Federal Government's plan for transformation of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos to a University, describing it as a birthday gift for him and promised to build edifice buildings when it finally takes off.
Edu-Biznews recalls that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had earlier on February 14 , 2025, announced the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, to a university.
Alausa who was on a working visit to the institution, disclosed that Tinubu was not hesitant to approve the proposal to convert the institution into a university, adding that he only awaited the official correspondence and ‘other necessary protocols from the appropriate quarters’.
The highly elated Fanimokun revealed his plan for the Nigeria's premier tertiary institution while delivering First Distinguished Service Lecture of Yaba College of Technology, which has its theme : "Excellence, Integrity Resourcefulness and Selfless: The Hallmarks of Lagos State Public Service As a case Study in Progress, Unity and Prosperity 1967-2025” held at the college Yusuf Grillo Auditorium
The Agba Akin of Iru Kingdom, Chief Rasheed Babatunde Fanimokun, said that he valued the institution as nobody introduced her to him but got attracted through the works and needs of the college and since his donation to the institution, the management has not dissociated from him, by seeking advice and consulting him on the advancement of the great citadel of learning .
Fanimokun in his paper presentation, affirmed that Lagos State Public Service at its take off by its founding fathers, was founded on six core values which he listed to include keeping the flag flying, standing tall always, the umbilical cord of Ibile, unity in diversity, peace, justice and progress for all, and no end to prosperity
The former Lagos State Permanent Secretary acknowledged the foundational role played by the former military governor of the State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (1967-1975) who instilled a culture of fiscal discipline, importance of integrity and resourcefulness
He added that, Johnson was found unblemished after his tenure, thereby became a pacesetter for other states of the federation.
The philanthropist maintained that, the banner of unblemished integrity and incorruptibility were sustained and taken to the highest level by the first civilian governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.“Our collective prayer should be for more visionary leaders like Jakande"
Corruption according to him, is widely acknowledged as deadly disease all over the world and a great impediment to development.
Chief Fanimokun maintained that, the uniqueness of Lagos Public Service was evident in the state's achievement in revenue mobilization with the recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259 billion positioning it as the second largest economy in Africa.
He established that the pace of development in Lagos State Public Service is impressive, encouraging and promising for a greater tomorrow and to really build positive legacy and impact the world for good, excellence, integrity, resourcefulness and selflessness are fundamental.
While expressing pride in being a product of Lagos State Public Service, he emphasized that public service is a public trust, and not a means to enrich oneself
He however applauded the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) for taking on the enviable role of advocating for integrity in the Lagos State Public Service at all levels.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul described the occasion as a platform to institutionalize and celebrate leadership, excellence, examining public service values, and fostering a culture of integrity and selfless service both within academia community and across the nation at large.
He described chief Fanimokun as most distinguished Nigerian and a respected icon in Lagos State Public Service who has consistently embodied excellence, integrity, and resourcefulness, adding that, his illustrious career over the years has reflected the impact of selfless service.
The Rector recognized that, Yaba College of Technology as an institution shares these core values of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness
“Our commitment to providing quality technical and vocational education, fostering innovation, and engaging in community development projects demonstrate our dedication to these principles and to the progress of the nation".
The rector disclosed that members of staff who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and integrity in their respective departments and units will be specially recognized across various categories.
He then charged members of staff to let the event ignite a renewed commitment to service, not just to their professional roles, but the greater good of the communities and nation.
"Let us all strive to embody the virtues celebrated today and contribute to a brighter future of Lagos State and Nigeria", he urged
Members of staff who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and integrity in their respective departments and units in the year 2024 were specially recognized across various categories.
The best overall staff of schools and units received a plaque and ₦200,000 cash award each, while the best staff in various schools, departments and units received ₦50,000 each.
The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, commended Yaba College of Technology for working tirelessly in shaping education and producing exceptional leaders who has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the country.
The institution according to him, has consistently adapted and evolved, maintaining its status as a beacon of excellence and produced exceptional minds who have contributed significantly to industries within Nigeria and beyond.
Lagos State experiences, the governor said, served as a model for other regions, demonstrating opportunities to enhance operations, promote unity, and drive prosperity in critical areas such as infrastructure development, public health, education, and economic growth.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the 1st Distinguished Service Lecture and chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funso Isolaowa in his address, said the lecture was not only for intellectual enrichment but a moment to celebrate excellence within the institution.
“Their hard work, dedication and exceptional achievements embody the very values that make this organization great. As we present these awards. Let us be reminded of the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who make a real difference in the success of our collective efforts”.Prof. Afolabi stated
He added that the the continued commitment of everyone would enable the college to achieve greater heights in the years to come.
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