The Federal Government yesterday announced Obafemi Omokungbe, 55, rector of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech).
He is the first alumnus of the 70-year-old institution to be appointed rector.
Omokungbe succeeded Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, who completed her tenure last December 10.
Announcing the appointment yesterday, the Chairman of Yabatech Governing Council, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said: “A record is made today; Omokungbe has been approved by the Minister for Education and the Presidency.
“The Governing Council had adopted the best to get the best and God has given us the best. Indeed, it is all that is well that ends well.
“I must say it is easier to get to the top of the ladder but it requires 10 times the initial effort to sustain yourself at the top. That means, as you have come out in large number to solidarise with the new rector, you must keep praying for him to succeed.”
Fagbemi hailed the two runner-ups – Drs. Raheem Omobayo and Kayode Aledare – for their large heartedness.
He said: “We did not have any regret forwarding three great names from which Omokungbe was selected.”
The council chairman thanked the Federal Government for respecting recommendations of the council.
Omokungbe joined Yabatech as Lecturer III in 1993 and became a Chief Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department, School of Civil Engineering and Natural Resources in 2009.
He was head of the Department of Civil Engineering (2007 – 2009) and had published many articles and has imparted on the college’s structural development programmes.
He is a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (Yabatech branch).
Addressing workers yesterday, Omokungbe said the journey ahead is collective.
Saying there was no victor, no vanquished, he added: “We shall do it together. There is a lot to do and there is a lot to fix. We shall do them and we shall fix them. But give me time. I have served you diligently before and I offer to serve you again.”
He is married and has children.