Yabatech launches anti-corruption unit as NTI plans nationwide expansion of teacher training centres
By Sodiq Adelakun
Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has taken a decisive step in Nigeria’s battle against institutional corruption with the official launch of an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The unit is tasked with enforcing ethical conduct and accountability throughout the college.
On Sunday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) inaugurated the ACTU at Yabatech’s Lagos campus, in a move designed to strengthen transparency and eradicate misconduct within one of Nigeria’s leading technical institutions.
The college’s spokesperson, Adekunle Adams, announced the inauguration, which represents a major effort to tackle unethical behaviour, especially financial impropriety, across the federal college.
Yabatech’s rector, Ibraheem Abdul, addressed the newly appointed team with a firm directive: “Let your actions reflect the confidence placed in you; this is a call to duty, not merely a ceremonial appointment.”
Mr Abdul urged ACTU members to “reject all malpractice that could harm the integrity of their office or damage the college’s reputation.” He insisted their behaviour must set a benchmark throughout the institution.
He added, “ACTU officials must lead by example, becoming internal advocates for transparency and high ethical standards across all departments.”
Chukwurah Alexander, the ICPC’s Lagos Resident Commissioner, handed the ACTU operational manual to the rector during the event.
Mr Chukwurah explained, “With this launch, we expect the ACTU to raise awareness among staff, uphold ethical conduct, and guarantee continuous compliance.”
ICPC chairman Musa Aliyu also commended the development, noting that ACTUs, now established in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), serve as “crucial tools in fighting corruption within public institutions.”
He clarified the role of the ACTU: “The unit should collaborate closely with college management, acting as a partner rather than an adversary.”
The newly appointed chairman of Yabatech’s ACTU, Tairu Onawale, pledged to carry out the team’s responsibilities “diligently and professionally,” committing to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Mr Onawale stressed, “This is not a symbolic committee. We are here to ensure Yabatech’s systems meet the ethical and operational standards required by law and expected by the public.”
Meanwhile, the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has announced a comprehensive plan to establish study centres in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria. This initiative aims to revolutionise teacher training and professional development nationwide.
NTI’s director and chief executive, Sadiya Sani-Daura, unveiled the plan during a media briefing in Kaduna, marking the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“These study centres will be fully equipped and adequately staffed to ensure effective operations,” Ms Sani-Daura said, stressing that increasing accessibility for both rural and urban educators is central to NTI’s expansion strategy.
“This effort reflects our commitment to making NTI’s resources available to all Nigerians, regardless of their location,” she added.
The director noted that NTI already manages zonal and state centres and plans to build on this foundation to ensure the success of the local government area (LGA) centres.
Ms Sani-Daura underlined the critical need to enhance the skills of Nigeria’s teaching workforce.
“Everyone can update and improve their capacities. We want to ensure all Nigerian teachers achieve this without delay.”
She warned that Nigerian educators risk falling behind international standards unless reforms are accelerated.
“The world is advancing, using new technologies and teaching methods. Nigerian teachers must urgently catch up,” she said.
To strengthen NTI’s standing as a world-class teacher training institution, the director confirmed that the institute now offers degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and advanced diplomas in education through affiliations with prominent Nigerian universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, University of Maiduguri, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Education is fundamental to solving many of Nigeria’s most difficult challenges,” Ms Sani-Daura said. “With proper focus on education at all levels, we can address issues including crime and insecurity.”