The University of Lagos (UNILAG), through its Staff Training and Development Unit (ST&DU), has organised a comprehensive capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the service delivery of Hospitality Officers and Porters across the University’s halls of residence.
The two-day training, held from Tuesday, April 14 to Wednesday, April 15, 2026, took place at the refurbished ST&DU Conference Room. The programme had the theme: From Welcome to Well-being: The Power of Professional Hospitality.
In her Opening Remarks, the ST&DU Director, Mrs Aderonke Asiwaju, stated that the training was designed to equip participants with the requisite skills to deliver quality, professional, and student-centred services in line with global best practices. She emphasised that UNILAG’s status as the “University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride” must be reflected in the conduct and professionalism of its frontline staff.
Mrs Asiwaju noted that Hospitality Officers and Porters play a critical role in shaping the experiences of students and visitors. She therefore stressed the importance of continuous training to ensure that their service delivery aligns with international standards.
Power-Packed Presentations
The training featured presentations from seasoned resource persons, including a Consultant with the Centre for Management Development, Mr Lucky Inegbenosun.
In his session, he underscored the importance of interpersonal skills in effective service delivery, highlighting communication, professionalism, and positive engagement as essential tools for hospitality personnel. He noted that first impressions at hostel entrances and reception points significantly influence the University’s image and stressed the need for courtesy and attentive listening in all interactions.
Other resource persons included Dr Julius Faremi of the Department of Building, who spoke on effective facility management in halls of residence; Professor Waziri Adisa of the Department of Sociology who delivered a session on record-keeping, documentation, and report writing; and Mrs Yetunde Johnson, Principal Assistant Registrar in ST&DU, who addressed conflict resolution and management in organisations.
On the second day, participants engaged in further practical and knowledge-based sessions. Mr David Omotosho, UNILAG Security Coordinator, spoke on security awareness, operational procedures, and regulations within halls of residence. Former Deputy Dean of the Students Affairs Division, Professor Adesanmi Mogbademu, facilitated a session on the organisational structure of hostel management, including roles, responsibilities, supervision, and monitoring.
Additional sessions were delivered by Professor Ayodele Omotayo, former Deputy Director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, who spoke on work ethics, misconduct, and discipline, as well as Dr Eno Akarawak, Deputy Director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, who trained participants on customer service orientation and the development of excellent service skills.
Renewed Commitment to Quality Service Delivery
The training concluded on a positive note, with renewed commitment from attendees to apply the knowledge gained in enhancing service delivery across the University’s hostels. Participants also expressed satisfaction with the programme, commending its relevance and practical value to their daily responsibilities.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Asiwaju expressed confidence that the training would significantly improve the professionalism and effectiveness of Hospitality Officers and Porters, thereby strengthening the University’s service culture and institutional image.
