Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has taken a step towards promoting leadership development and good governance in Nigeria with the unveiling of the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance.

The centre, named after the legendary labour leader, Hassan Sunmonu, aims to cultivate ethical leadership, incubate policy innovation, and connect the classroom to the country.

The unveiling ceremony, which was attended by prominent stakeholders in education, labour, and government, marked the beginning of a new era in leadership development and governance in Nigeria.

The centre’s establishment aligns with YABATECH’s heritage as Nigeria’s foremost institution for technical and leadership training, reflecting its continued commitment to national transformation.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Prof. Toyin Falola, Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasised the importance of ethical leadership and good governance in driving sustainable development and progress in Africa.

Falola warned that corruption and weak governance structures continue to undermine Africa’s democratic and developmental progress, despite decades of reforms and transitions to civilian rule.

“Democracy is not possible in an environment in which the unaccountable elite hold political and economic power,” Falola stated.

“Without a balance of institutional reform, moral leadership, citizens’ engagement, and local anti-corruption programmes, Africa’s democratic gains can be decimated, and development opportunities arrested.”

The Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the centre was conceived as a lighthouse where values meet competence, scholarship meets service, and democratic ideals translate into measurable development outcomes.

He noted that the centre will focus on three key mandates – cultivating ethical leadership rooted in integrity and the common good; incubating policy innovation that bridges research and practice to solve governance challenges; and connecting the classroom to the country by linking students, alumni, industry, labour, and civic institutions in nation-building efforts.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have pledged their support for the centre.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the initiative as a profound recognition of the struggles and sacrifices of the Nigerian working class.

“By recognising Comrade Sunmonu, you have validated the selfless struggles, tireless organising and unwavering commitment of our movement. You have acknowledged that the fight for the dignity of the worker is a fight for the soul of our nation,” Ajaero said.