Yabatech, Unilag laud Chief Fanimokun as highest Educational funds donor in Lagos state
…Best birthday gift from President Tinubu was approval of Yabatech as University- Chief Fanimokun
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos, during the maiden edition of her distinguished service lecture held on Wednesday, with attendance of other tertiary institution leaders have given accolades to Chief Tunde Fanimokun for his commitment to the development of the Educational sector in Nigeria through his huge donations of funds.
This was disclosed during the distinguished service lecture themed: “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness and Selflessness: The hallmarks of Lagos State public service as a case study in progress, unity and prosperity 1967-2025”.
According to the Governor of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while examining the legendary of Yabatech as a pioneer institution, said, “Yabatech, Nigeria's first technical institute, has been instrumental in shaping Education in Nigeria since 1947. Over the years, the school has produced exceptional minds who have contributed significantly within Nigeria and beyond.
The Governor who was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for tertiary Education, Lagos, Hon. Tolani Sule, pinpointed that Yabatech has maintained integrity as a beacon of excellence. With eight schools, fourtyfour academic departments and seventy accredited programs. He noted that the college remains a leader amongst technical and Vocational institutions”
The governor also explained that the theme of the service lecture points key values and underscores the importance of excellence in performance in service delivery to the public and the broader impact on the society.
For the state's resonance with development, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed that Lagos continues to turn obstacles to opportunities by embracing smarter systems, digital governance and private sector partnerships.
Encouraging public servants present at the event, the governor advised, “Let today's lecture and award ceremony inspire you to pursue resourcefulness, integrity and accountability as they are indispensable to our state's progress. Let us uphold the values that has brought us this far” he urged.
Meanwhile, the Guest Lecturer, His Excellency, Chief Tunde Fanimokun in his lecture, commended the state Governor for the sustainability and progress of good works from past leaders in the state, he expressed that Lagos has been a successful city owing to the leadership of the heroes past such as; Mobolaji Johnson; the first Civilian Governor, L.K. Jakande, and others.
He advised every public servant to serve with standards and abide by the packages of legacies inherited as virtues (10) from the Lagos State public service (LSPS) which include; incorruptibility; personal integrity; self-discipline; simple lifestyle; self-confidence; courage of conviction; Prudence in public fund management; action oriented management practices; equitable distribution of resources; engaging the norm of public offfice as a public trust; transparency; accountability and resourcefulness for sustainable development.
As regards accountability and resourcefulness, the Chief stated that it is not negotiable, explaining the growth of Lagos state's IGR right from the beginning. He noted that the state started with 10 million naira only as internally generated revenue which has transitioned greatly.
Moreso, Chief Fanimokun, examined the sacosance of keeping the ten LSPS virtues, as he noted that he has never applied for any job throughout his lifetime, stating that he finds himself exceptionally lucky in this regard as people have always appointed him into offices based on his reputations without blemishes. He also enumerated the significance of April 9th, being the day he celebrates 41 years of service in the Folawiyo group of companies as a life director for the group.
In addition, the chief commended the management of the institution for the book published in respect to his 80 billion naira donation to education as he pledged his support to Yabatech and revealed that the best birthday gift he received from the President of the Federation was the approval of Yabatech transitioning to a University, stating that he had already given out 5.6 Trillion naira voluntarily for this course.
However, as to why Lagos is not higher than what it is today, Chief Fanimokun highlighted the relevance of togetherness and sustaining good works ‘We can't move on our own” he said, as he also cited the Uncontrollable influx of people into the state as a barrier to development. The chief further advised the younger Generation as a proud product of the LSPS not to engage in wrongdoing as their rewards will certainly come.
Furthermore, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Adedotun Abdul, in his welcome address noted that the lecture is intended to be institutionalized as a platform for celebrating leadership excellence, examining public service values and fostering a culture of integrity, selfless service both within the academic community and across the nation at large.
He honored the presence of the Guest Lecturer, Chief Fanimokun appraising him as a respectable icon in the Lagos State public service, noting his illustrious service from the foundational years of Lagos State in 1967 to the present stands as a powerful reflection of what principled leadership and steadfast dedication can accomplish in the public sphere.
The Rector further stressed that Yabatech shares the same core values of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness and selflessness while he pledged the institution's commitment to providing quality technical and vocational education, fostering innovation and engaging in community development projects to demonstrate dedication to the principles and to the progress of Nigeria.
“Let this lecture reignite a new commitment to service. People are counting on their human resources to bring development to the world, let us be committed to greater good to our community and nation, so we can contribute to the brighter future of Lagos State.
“Our guest speaker is still serving the state and humanity today. Last year we received a whole center called Folawiyo Center from his donation” he attested.
Meanwhile, Dr Abdul lauded all who contributed to the transitioning of the polytechnic to Yaba Technical and Vocational University as well as the Proposed University on banana island- Snake Island institute of technology, which will be a public-private partnership University. “We will replicate Harvard in Nigeria”, he added.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS also commended Chief Fanimokun, stating that he is the highest doner for unilag and education in lagos. Hence, she called all educators to action and advised “We owe baba to be the best we can be”
Furthermore, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Funso Isolaowa, expressed the need to key into the renewed hope agenda of the president. “We look forward to this lecture every year, we are gathered to view our achievements and get greater insights that will compel us to move forward as the lecture shapen our thinking.
“In addition to the lecture, today’s event also gives us the opportunity to celebrate excellence within our own ranks. We are proud to honor our outstanding staff who have gone above and beyond in their roles during the year 2024. Their hardwork, dedication, and exceptional achievements embody the very values that make this organization great. As we present these awards, let us be reminded of the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who make a reul difference in the success of our collective efforts” he said.