By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu and Akinbolu Adedoyin
Prof. Rahamon Bello, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has advised Dr Ibraheem Abdul, newly appointed Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), to recognise and involve critical stakeholders in his administration.
Bello, Guest Lecturer at the event, spoke at the seminar, with the theme, “Leadership Expectations and Challenges in Higher Education Institutions”, organised by YABATECH Muslim Community, held on Wednesday in the College Hall.
He mentioned the stakeholders to include Proprietors, Host Government, Host Community, Members of Staff, Students and Alumni, while he identified areas to look out for as Academics, Finance, Procurement, Staff welfare and Student matters.
“The stakeholders will interplay in how well your governance structure is, you have to work with them collectively to ensure smooth administration and let the changes you want to introduce be gradual.
“These are critical stakeholders that a leader in a tertiary institution will be dealing with and thereby discussing the expected relationship with each and challenges that may result thereby.
“You must relate directly with the Federal Ministry of Education, Government Regulator for your institution (National Board for Technical Education) and the Governing Council for your institution, who will be taking direct decision on your major activities on behalf of the Proprietor.
“There is usually a lateral relationship with the host State Government, in this case, Lagos State; it may not be apparent.
“Dealing with host government can be challenging over some issues, for example, taxes, approval and construction projects and others.”
He said:“The human resource element of the assignment is critical and should be taken seriously.
“This will make the institution and their effectiveness is what will depict your regime, hence it should be one of your priorities.
“Have a listening ear to staffers welfare matters, ensure standardisation and fairness. Also deal with the staff unions with the dignity deserved.
“Studentship is a critical stakeholder as they add flavour to the instruction but can be the bane of it when things go wrong, you must ensure appropriate firm regulations and enforcement of discipline, security concerns are key here.
“Students Unionism is usually a hotbed for trouble in institutions. This, must be properly monitored and guided; a lot of external influences on your students and make them turn bizarre if not properly monitored.
“The Alumni of your institution are a major stakeholder in your institution, and must be given due attention and cognisance, therefore, you must ensure you relate with them appropriately,” he added.
The Former UNILAG VC, currently Pro-Chancellor and Chairman for Tai Solarin University of Education Governing Council, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, tasked the YABATECH Rector to ensure diligence in the implementation of his propounded agenda.
“You have been in this College for long and have occupied several posts before this appointment, you must have learnt few things along the line, however, people’s expectations of you now may be different and may not be in conformity with reality.
“Try to be accommodating to everyone, humble, equitable, just, friendly, calm and see yourself, note that you are a Rector to the entire College and not to Muslim community alone,” Bello said.
Earlier, Dr Abdulazeez Lawal, former Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (now Lagos State University of Science and Technology) in his keynote address defined leadership as influencing the leading to get the best out of them, contrary to being the boss.
Lawal, urged Abdul to imbibe and bring to bear the servant leadership of Holy Prophet Muhammad, adding that the servant leader is the servant first, which begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve first, then the conscious choice brings one to aspire and lead.
According to him, servant leadership emphasis increased services to others; a holistic approach to work, promoting a sense of community and sharing of power in decision-making.
“Prophet Muhammad empowered and developed followers.
“He appointed leaders based on their abilities, regardless of their age which was an uncommon leadership practice then, showed exemplary stewardship, accepted people and provided directions for followers.
“Muslims in leadership positions should reflect on the Prophet’s behaviour and adopt his servant-leadership lifestyle in managing their various institution, ensure you discharge your duties with equity, justice and fairness, irrespective of tribe or religion,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Moruf Adebakin, Chairman of YABATECH Muslim Community described the appointment of Abdul as an era of inclusivity, progress and transformation of the College, pledged the group’s support to the new administration.
Adebakin said that the seminar was organised to provide valuable insights and guidance on leadership expectations as well as advice for new appointees with specific focus on the challenges and responsibilities that the new Rector may encounter.
“Together, we stand united, ready to support and uplift our leader as they leave YABATECH to greater heights of excellence, innovation and holistic development.
Speaking, Dr Abiodun Ashiru, the Dean of School of Science, who doubled as the Chairman, Planning Committee of the event, said the event was in recognition and honour of the new Rector.
Ashiru said the speakers, whom he described as experienced administrators, were deliberately selected to set a good platform for Abdul to start well, particularly on managerial issues.
“Dr Abdul is one of us in the Muslim Community and we are happy with his appointment as the Rector of this great institution and we want him to succeed, been the idea behind this programme,” he added.
The Dean, enjoined the YABATECH family to extend necessary support that would promote and make the new Rector to record significant improvement and remain the first, best in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 members of the group and management staff of YABATECH attended the seminar. (NAN).