Dr Bernard Soglo
It is with great honour that we celebrate Dr. Sani Man-Yahaya on the occasion of his receiving the prestigious Transparency Africa Honour.
Our team from Ivory Coast and Nigeria presented the Honour , which was received my Mr. Adamu on his behalf.
This accolade reflects not only a commendable personal stance but a broader and powerful commitment to transparent leadership and good governance—qualities that are increasingly vital in higher education and public service in Nigeria.
A leader of integrity and transparency
Since his appointment on 21 November 2022 as the sixth substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Dr. Sani Man-Yahaya has brought to the institution a clear mandate of openness, accountability and service.
This transparency lifestyle is not just a label, but is substantiated by the way he engages the Polytechnic community: open communication, visible decision-making, welfare-led policies and prioritising a learning environment free of suspicion.
Achievements under his leadership
Under Dr. Sani Man-Yahaya’s stewardship, the Federal Polytechnic Ede has recorded commendable progress across several fronts:
Infrastructural development: The institution continues to register expansion in academic programmes – for instance, with 18 new programmes approved for both ND and HND levels, bringing the total to 64 programmes.
This signals not only curriculum diversification but also enhancements in physical and human infrastructure.
Staff and student welfare: A major highlight is the proactive stance on student welfare: at a matriculation ceremony for 9,150 new students, Dr. Sani awarded cash gifts (₦200,000 each) to two ND students who achieved the highest CGPA of 3.98, signalling that excellence is valued and rewarded.
Also, the disbursement of student-loan funds (for 583 students) demonstrates direct attention to the welfare of students.
Safe, disciplined learning environment & sports engagement: The Rector has repeatedly underscored the institution’s zero tolerance for social vices — including indecent dressing, cultism, arson, drug abuse and other behaviours inimical to learning. At the matriculation for 11,108 new students he warned that the institution will not compromise its standards.
This emphasis on discipline and order naturally also supports student-engagement beyond academics, including sports and extra-curricular activities (though specific sports initiatives may still be emerging).
Research and innovation: Under his oversight, the Polytechnic’s Directorate of Research & Development announced major wins such as securing a fully-licensed Microsoft 365 A5 Education package for staff and students, and partnering in grant-funded projects via the TETFund, NCC and other bodies.
Why the Transparency Africa Honour is fitting
The honour from Transparency Africa speaks to the fact that Dr. Sani Man-Yahaya’s leadership is grounded in showing results, inviting scrutiny, and fostering an institutional culture where accountability is standard rather than exception. In a field where infrastructure, welfare, academics and institutional reputation often suffer from opacity, his example stands out.
A call to continue and inspire
Dr. Sani Man-Yahaya, your journey so far has set a striking benchmark for what transparent, responsive, welfare-driven leadership can achieve in a polytechnic context. But as you well know, the journey of leadership is one of constant renewal. I encourage you to continue:
From Transparency Africa, we say a congratulations for this Honour. May your leadership continue to shine as a beacon of integrity, excellence and service. May the Federal Polytechnic Ede under your stewardship not only grow in size and reputation, but also become a model institution in Nigeria for transparent governance and student-centred development.
We look forward to the next chapters of your leadership—more buildings, more programmes, more welfare, and a sustained legacy of openness.
With respect and admiration, we encourage you: keep going. Your example matters.
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