YABATECH Draws the Line: New Staff Warned Against Corruption as Management Unveils Bold Digital and Research Agenda

By DAYO ADESULU

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has sent a clear and uncompromising message to its newly recruited teaching and non-teaching staff: integrity, excellence, and zero tolerance for corruption are non-negotiable as the institution accelerates its drive toward digital innovation, research excellence, and student-centred education.

The warning was issued during a management engagement with newly appointed staff at the commencement of the 2026 academic year, a session that doubled as both a welcome and a firm reminder of the standards expected within Nigeria’s premier polytechnic.“You Are Custodians of a Global Legacy” — Rector

Addressing the new employees, the Rector described their appointments as the beginning of a serious commitment to public service, urging them to look beyond routine job descriptions and embrace their roles as mentors, innovators, and ambassadors of the YABATECH brand.

According to him, YABATECH is not just another tertiary institution but a globally recognised centre of excellence with a proud history dating back to 1947.“

By joining Yaba College of Technology, you have become part of a legacy that has produced icons, leaders, and nation builders. This institution stands for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and service to society,” he said.The Rector stressed that the recent recruitment exercise was intentionally rigorous to attract only the most competent professionals, adding that the responsibility now rests squarely on the shoulders of the new staff to protect and advance the institution’s hard-earned reputation.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption, Harassment, and ExtortionIn one of the strongest sections of his address, the Rector declared that YABATECH would not tolerate corruption, nepotism, extortion, or any form of misconduct, particularly actions that exploit or harass students.“

Extortion of students under any guise is unacceptable.

Academic, sexual, or power-related harassment will not be tolerated. Our students are our diamonds and must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” he warned.He added that any staff member found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with public service rules, noting that the college’s leadership would not shield offenders under any circumstances.

Dual Employment Prohibited, Discipline EnforcedThe Rector also cautioned against dual full-time employment, describing it as gross misconduct under public service regulations.

Newly recruited staff were advised to regularise their employment status where applicable, with a clear reminder that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as a defence.

Beyond ethics, management outlined expectations around punctuality, professionalism, proper documentation, responsible use of institutional resources, and strict compliance with examination and grading policies.Modern Teaching, No Handouts for SaleOn academic delivery, the Rector challenged lecturers to abandon outdated teaching methods and fully embrace modern, student-centred approaches.

He discouraged note dictation and emphasised interactive, discussion-driven, and technology-enabled learning aligned with industry needs.“Teaching here must go beyond archaic methods.

Our classrooms should inspire creativity, innovation, and relevance,” he said, while expressly prohibiting the sale of handouts or academic materials to students.Digital Campus, Research Growth, Industry LinkagesHighlighting YABATECH’s strategic priorities, the Rector outlined a bold institutional agenda focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration, research and innovation, environmental sustainability, inclusivity, safety, teamwork, and zero tolerance for harassment.

He revealed that the college is intensifying efforts to become a fully smart campus, encouraging staff to continuously upgrade their digital skills. Lecturers were also urged to boost research output through collaborations, grants, patents, and industry-driven solutions.“Publish and prosper remains our guiding principle,” he noted, assuring staff of institutional support structures such as applied research centres, grants management units, and technology commercialisation platforms designed to turn research into real societal and economic impact.

Management further disclosed plans to invest heavily in academic content creation, enabling staff to develop digital learning resources — including videos, podcasts, and courseware — with opportunities for revenue generation through institutional platforms.Registrar Reinforces Rules, Professional ConductEarlier, the Registrar of the College, Mrs. Herienta Badejo, welcomed the new staff and reminded them that they were joining an institution built on integrity, excellence, and service.

She urged them to familiarise themselves fully with the rules governing YABATECH’s operations, describing these regulations as the foundation of the college’s shared values and ethical standards.Professional conduct, she said, is mandatory.

Staff are expected to demonstrate integrity, respect in all interactions, and strict confidentiality when handling student and institutional records.

Mrs. Badejo also emphasised punctuality, regular attendance, proper notification procedures for absences, and full compliance with policies on examinations, grading, and student welfare.

On institutional resources, she warned against misuse of facilities, equipment, and digital platforms, stressing that college property must never be used for personal gain.Building a Culture of Accountability

The Registrar called on staff to treat students fairly, without bias or favouritism, while remaining approachable and supportive.“I urge you to see these rules not as restrictions but as guiding principles that promote harmony, fairness, and excellence.

Together, we must build a culture of accountability and service,” she said.She added that a comprehensive orientation programme would soon be organised for the new staff, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to YABATECH’s continued growth and national relevance.

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