A former lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology and author, Joseph Akeju, has urged the Federal Government to begin the full implementation of its approval for the transition of Yabatech to the Federal University of Technology, Yaba.
Akeju made the call on Friday during the public presentation of his book, Whistleblower as Victim, in Lagos, where he said the transition would fulfil a long-standing aspiration of stakeholders of the institution.
According to Akeju, Yaba College of Technology has developed its infrastructure, academic programmes and human resources over the years, providing a strong foundation for its transition to a university.
He said the establishment of the university would increase opportunities for students seeking admission and create more employment opportunities.
The author appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to set a clear timeline for the implementation and begin the necessary processes for the proposed university to take off.
Akeju also called for the immediate constitution of an implementation committee to coordinate the transition and ensure that the process was properly managed.
He urged the authorities to address the issue of staff placement in the proposed university, adding that workers should be properly informed and assured of fair treatment during the transition.
The author also appealed to the management and governing council of Yabatech to support the implementation process and work with the Federal Government to ensure a smooth transition.
He said the proposed university would build on the achievements of the college and provide more opportunities for technology-focused education.
Akeju said the transition was important not only to the institution but also to prospective students and the wider community, urging the government to complete the process without further delay.
He expressed hope that the Federal University of Technology, Yaba, would soon become a reality and fulfil the aspirations of those who had contributed to the development of the institution over the years.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled ‘Limitation of Leadership: The Imperative of Effective Followership’, a former registrar, Ekiti State University, Dr Omolaja Awolusi, said effective leadership could not be achieved without responsible followership.
The Ekiti don argued that followers had a major role to play in determining whether leaders succeeded or failed, adding that leadership should be seen as a partnership in which followers contribute competence, honesty, loyalty and accountability to the common good.
Using examples from history and African folktales, the former registrar said major empires and successful national movements were built not by their leaders alone but by the people who supported and implemented their vision.
He said Nigeria similarly needed citizens who would hold leaders accountable while also performing their own responsibilities with integrity.
Awosusi, however, identified corruption, dishonesty and self-interest among citizens as major challenges to effective followership.
“When stewardship is non-existent, accountability will be compromised, confidence will be eroded, and eventually, economic value will be lost. Nigeria’s problem is more of the Followership challenge than that of leadership deficit.
“It is from the corrupt, indolent, unfaithful, disgruntled followership that electorates would emerge. The voters, immersed in greediness and neck deep in avarice, will decide for the nation, the leaders through elections. The all-pervasive adoption of false measures in trade and commerce makes cheating look normal,” he said.
He therefore urged Nigerians to become competent, honest and responsible followers, saying the quality of leadership in the country would ultimately reflect the values and conduct of its citizens.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, described the book as a reminder of the importance of integrity, courage and accountability in public service.
Oyedele, who also doubled as the chairman of the event, said whistleblowing should be seen as a means of protecting institutions and public resources rather than as an act of disloyalty.
The Minister said public officers were often faced with difficult choices between remaining silent and speaking up when they observed wrongdoing, stressing that the decision to uphold the truth could come with personal consequences.
He noted that Whistleblower as Victim offered useful lessons for public servants, administrators, auditors and young professionals on the importance of putting professional ethics and public interest above personal convenience.
He congratulated Akeju for documenting his experience, saying the book would encourage readers to reflect on their responsibilities and the role of integrity in building stronger public institutions.
The highlight of the event included goodwill messages from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers of the author.
Punchng
