Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Chairman, Governing Council of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has expressed the body’s determination to bring more growth and development to the institution.
Fagbemi made the remarks while addressing members of staff of the college at the inaugural meeting of the newly-constituted council, held on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, the council is coming with open mind and listening ear.
He added that the council shall not only be fair to all, but would also be guided by the rule of law and due process in carrying out its mandate.
The Chairman noted that staff motivation is essential to quality performance and promised that the council shall ensure it puts in place, all that are required for the achievement of optimal staff productivity.
He lauded the Federal Government for re-appointing him chairman of the council, for a second term, which, according to him, has never happened in the history of the college.
Fagbemi added that his reappointment has given him the opportunity to serve humanity as well as contribute his own quota to the development of education in the country and in Yabatech in particular.
He also congratulated members of staff elected to the board and the congregation in the council.
Fagbemi commended the college management for the leadership provided in the administration of the institution, adding that it was a step in the right direction.
“I would like to appreciate members of the immediate past governing council, who worked tirelessly with me to achieve the much we could.
“It is heartwarming to note that one of the last members of the governing council, Hon. Isa Anwalu, has now been appointed Chairman, Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
“Similarly, after about a year into the tenure of the last Council, another prominent member, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, was found worthy and appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,” he said.
According to him, “nothing better illustrates the caliber of council members with whom I delightfully worked with on the last council than these lofty career elevations.
“It is my prayer that this present council will relentlessly build upon and surpass the successes achieved by the former council,” Fagbemi added.
Fagbemi, then commended the Rector of the institution, Mr Obafemi Omokungbe, his management team and the students for the successes recorded so far in the college.
“What we are witnessing here today, is a feat worthy of celebration and I urge everyone to work and put in the best of ability.
“We are open to viable ideas and suggestions to retain this enviable position and further move this college forward as the pride of Nigeria,” he noted.
According to him, it is fundamental for the college to continue to occupy its rightful position in the community of Polytechnics in the country, hence the need for collective effort.
Fagbemi, further pledged council’s support to the college in the area of provision of infrastructure within the limits of its available resources, to attain a conducive environment for learning and work.
He disclosed that the council had resolved to serve with diligence and commitment to the growth of the college.
“We shall endeavor to provide enabling environment to allow ventilation of genuine ideas that will eventually move the college forward, amongst the comity of world class institutions.
“We are ready and willing to listen and collaborate with you to achieve the lofty goals of this administration and encourage regular interaction with critical stakeholders in the system.
“The is the need for us to be proactive in order to ensure rapid growth, delivery of qualitative and top notch education to our students.
“It is therefore my sincere hope and prayers that we shall ensure smooth administration for the benefit of our staff and students,’’ he added.
He also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for its numerous and continuous intervention to the Polytechnic sector across the country.