By Mark Orgu, News/Comments
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called for the adoption of best practices in the governance of polytechnic system in the country, emphasising transparency, accountability, and unity. He made the call during a retreat organized for the new governing Council members of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos titled “Consolidating the Past and Shaping the Future’ at Ikoyi, Lagos recently
Fagbemi, who was the immediate past chairman of the Council between 2017-2023 wants the new council to work in harmony with the College management towards advancing technology and other developmental progress. The AGF however said, the significance of the retreat, is to equip Council members with the necessary tools for effective policy-making in the educational administrative setting and governance.
In his key note address, the Minister underscored the importance of reviewing past achievements to consolidate the future, pointing to key milestones during his tenure, such as, administrative restructuring, enhancement of academic standards, staff welfare, establishment of an endowment fund, physical infrastructural development, and internally generated revenue. The legal icon emphasized that governance, which involves transparent decision-making and resource management, is crucial for institutional success. He urged the Governing Council to adopt principles of accountability, transparency, participation, and responsiveness in their roles. According to him, effective governance not only fosters trust but also promotes sustainable development within the institution.
“Governance refers to the systems, processes, and structures that guides and regulate the actions of organizations. For Yaba College of Technology, this means taking informed decisions in a transparent manner for effective management of both human and material resources,” he stated. He further highlighted the need for unity and cooperation among the governing council, management, staff, students, and stakeholders, noting that collaboration is key to achieving the college’s objectives”. He advised council members to establish clear goals, foster open communication, and embrace teamwork, as these would lead to improved decision-making and increased productivity. In addition to unity, Fagbemi outlined several best practices in institutional governance that should be adopted to ensure the success and sustainability of Yaba College of Technology. These, he regarded as clear purpose and mission, ensuring experienced leadership, fostering diversity, developing strategic plans, and engaging stakeholders.
On his part, the new Council Chairman, Prof ‘Funsho Isolaowa Afolabi, wants all stakeholders to “put their hands on deck” for the immense benefit of the college. Prof. Afolabi stressed the need for systematic synergy from both the management and students as a means of sustaining the institution’s greatness:
“Yaba College of Technology belongs to us all, and it is only through our combined dedication that we can truly fulfil its vision of excellence. I urged every one of us to be active participants in shaping the future of this great institution.
Meanwhile the Rector of the College, Engr (Dr) Ibraheem Abdul expressed gratitude to the AGF, and used the medium to assure that, the legacy of the College will be maintained with greater developmental plans and progress.
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