YABATECH Tasks New Deans, HODs on Integrity, Innovation

Funmi Ogundare

The management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has urged newly elected deans and heads of departments to adopt a transformative, university-driven mindset as the institution moves towards attaining university status.

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, stated this at a one-day induction workshop organised by the Staff Development Department for the institution’s new academic leaders.

He described the emergence of the new academic leaders as a defining moment, noting that the college is on the threshold of major transformation as it approaches its 80th anniversary.

He stressed that leadership at the departmental and school levels must be anchored in integrity, innovation, accountability, and a shared vision for growth.

According to the rector, the institution has begun strategic engagements with the Federal Ministry of Education to secure university status, adding that the goal is not only to attain the new designation but also to rank among Nigeria’s top universities.

“We do not want to start from the bottom. We want to remain at the top, even within the university system. That requires innovation, research excellence and rigorous academic standards comparable to global best practices,” he stated.

Abdul urged the newly elected leaders to promote academic excellence by discouraging outdated teaching methods, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging research and innovation among students and staff.

He also declared zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and exploitation of students, warning that heads of departments would be held accountable for any infractions within their units.

Abdul directed departments to transparently declare all approved charges payable by students, in line with federal directives and in preparation for participation in the student loan scheme.

Emphasising the need for a conducive learning environment, he called for campuses free from toxicity, victimisation and administrative bias, while encouraging the establishment of confidential reporting channels for misconduct.

Abdul further urged academic leaders to “explore innovative revenue-generating opportunities within their departments, saying that the institution’s strategic location, large student population and available resources provide significant growth potential.