YABATECH joins anti-graft drive as ICPC installs ACTU to battle corruption
By Sodiq Adelakun
Yaba College of Technology has been drawn into the national fight against institutional graft, with the official launch of an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) mandated to enforce ethical conduct and accountability across the institution.
On Sunday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) inaugurated the ACTU at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos, in a move authorities say will entrench transparency and eliminate misconduct in the federal college.
The inauguration, announced by college spokesperson Adekunle Adams, signals a sweeping effort to root out unethical behavior, particularly financial infractions, within one of Nigeria’s premier technical institutions.
The college rector, Ibraheem Abdul, addressed the new appointees with a stern charge: “Let your actions reflect the confidence placed in you; this is a call to duty, not merely a ceremonial appointment.”
Mr Abdul emphasised that ACTU members must “reject all malpractice that could damage the integrity of their office or tarnish the college’s reputation,” insisting their conduct must set the standard across departments.
He added, “ACTU officials must lead by example, serving as internal champions for transparency and ethical standards throughout the college.”
Chukwurah Alexander, the ICPC’s Lagos Resident Commissioner, officially handed the ACTU operational manual to the rector.
Mr Chukwurah stated, “With this launch, we expect the ACTU to sensitise staff, enforce ethical conduct, and ensure ongoing compliance.”
ICPC chairman Musa Aliyu also praised the development, asserting that ACTUs, now deployed across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), are “vital instruments in combating corruption in public institutions.”
He clarified the ACTU's intended role: “ACTU should work collaboratively with the college management,” describing the unit as “a partner, not an opposition.”
The newly appointed chairman of Yabatech’s ACTU, Tairu Onawale, committed the team to fulfilling its mandate “diligently and professionally,” pledging allegiance to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Mr Onawale said, “This is not a symbolic committee. We are here to ensure that the systems at Yabatech meet the ethical and operational benchmarks expected by the law and the public.”
Director Sani-Daura says initiative aims to overhaul teacher training and close educational gaps across Nigeria.
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has announced a bold plan to set up study centres in every one of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, marking a sweeping intervention in teacher training and professional development across the country.
NTI’s director and chief executive, Sadiya Sani-Daura, revealed the initiative during a media briefing in Kaduna commemorating President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
M
“These study centres will be fully equipped and adequately staffed so that they can function effectively,” Ms Sani-Daura said, noting that accessibility for rural and urban educators is at the core of the institute’s expansion strategy.
“This move is part of our modest efforts to make NTI easily accessible by all Nigerians no matter their places of domicile,” she added.
The director highlighted that the NTI already operates zonal and state-level centres and plans to “leverage this feat to make the planned LGA centres succeed.”
Ms Sani-Daura emphasised the urgency of upskilling Nigeria’s teaching workforce, saying, “Everybody can update and improve his or her capacity. We are out to ensure that all Nigerian teachers achieve this in no distant time.”
She warned that Nigerian educators risk falling behind if reforms are not accelerated.
“The world has moved on, leveraging emerging technologies and new teaching methods. Hence, teachers in Nigeria must urgently catch up with the world,” she said.
In a drive to reposition NTI as a “world-class teacher training institution,” the director confirmed that the institute now awards degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and advanced diplomas in education through affiliations with major Nigerian universities, including Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, University of Maiduguri, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Education is very critical to providing plausible solutions to practically all the seemingly formidable problems plaguing Nigeria.
“Yes, with proper attention given to the education sector at all levels, we will get solutions to all our problems, including crimes and criminality,” Ms Sani-Daura said.