The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Management has intensified efforts to strengthen leadership capacity across its senior administrative and bursary workforce with a two-day workshop focused on strategic leadership, performance management, digital competence and institutional transformation.
Organised by the Staff Training and Development Unit (ST&DU) of the University, the workshop was held from Tuesday, September 1 to Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for senior staff in the Registry and Bursary cadres. The programme was designed to equip participants with the skills and perspectives required for effective decision-making and leadership in a rapidly changing university environment.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the opening session, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, commended the Staff Training and Development Unit for its contributions to human capacity development at the University.
Professor Lesi described continuous staff development as central to the University’s Future-Ready Agenda, noting that institutional development is a collective responsibility that requires teamwork, knowledge-sharing and commitment to excellence.
He stressed that effective leadership requires not only professional competence but also the ability to collaborate, innovate and build strong teams.
Quoting the popular maxim, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” the Deputy Vice-Chancellor said the University’s vision could only be achieved through collective effort and a shared commitment to excellence.
He further noted that effective leadership succession depends on deliberate capacity development, stressing that training must remain an integral part of preparing staff to assume greater responsibilities and sustain institutional standards.
Leadership Must Be Intentional
Speaking on “Leading with Purpose: Strategic Leadership for University Excellence,” the Registrar and Secretary to Council, University of Lagos, Mrs. Abosede Wickliffe, said the workshop was particularly relevant in view of gaps observed in expectations during recent University promotion interviews.
She emphasised the need for continuous development of administrative skills to ensure that staff are adequately prepared for leadership responsibilities and that institutional standards are maintained.
Mrs. Wickliffe encouraged participants to approach administration with creativity and innovation while retaining the human judgment that remains essential to effective leadership.
She noted that Artificial Intelligence could support administrative processes but could not replace the originality, critical thinking and professional judgement required of university administrators.
According to her, the University’s Future-Ready vision requires administrative leaders who are adaptable, competent and capable of navigating the complexities of a modern higher education institution.
“Nobody Is Untrainable”
Similarly, former Registrar and Current Director, Office of Advancement, UNILAG, Dr. Folasade Ipaye, urged participants to approach leadership as an opportunity to develop people rather than merely supervise them.
Dr. Ipaye advised leaders against unjustly punishing subordinates and encouraged them to identify the strengths, talents and areas of relevance in their staff that could contribute to improved institutional performance.
She stressed that “nobody is untrainable,” urging senior officers to invest in the development of their teams and recognise that effective leadership also requires the humility to acknowledge mistakes.
She further encouraged administrators to cultivate personal leadership traits, plan effectively and maintain structured work schedules that promote professionalism, accountability and teamwork.
Leadership, Adaptability and Team Effectiveness
One of the resource persons, Barrister Rita Nwalupue of the Centre for Management Development, focused on leadership skills and team effectiveness, emphasising the ability of leaders to influence people positively and create conditions that encourage strong performance.
She noted that leadership effectiveness requires adaptability and intentionality, explaining that leaders must be able to adjust their leadership styles to the demands of different situations.
Barrister Nwalupue also identified communication as a fundamental component of leadership, urging leaders to communicate clearly, motivate their teams and remain attentive to the needs and contributions of staff.
Speaking on executive thinking, she explained that leaders must develop the capacity to analyse complex situations, make sound decisions and think beyond immediate operational concerns.
She added that a clearly defined leadership philosophy could provide consistency, direction and integrity in decision-making over time.
Governance, Compliance and Institutional Integrity
Another facilitator at the training programme, Mr. Akinwunmi Oladapo Lewis, (Former Registrar and Secretary to Council of Lagos State University) examined the structure of university governance and key institutional policies.
He emphasised the importance of compliance with established rules and regulations, particularly for managers entrusted with institutional responsibilities.
Mr. Lewis cautioned against deliberately disregarding institutional procedures, noting that the rules governing university administration are established through relevant laws, policies and authorities and must be understood and respected by those responsible for implementing them.
He warned that selective enforcement of rules could weaken institutional integrity, while replacing established procedures with shortcuts could negatively affect staff commitment and stakeholder confidence.
He therefore urged university administrators to become conversant with the enabling laws and policies governing their institutions.
Mr. Lewis also spoke on effective delegation, encouraging managers to assign responsibilities strategically and exercise sound judgement without compromising standards. He stressed that effective monitoring does not require micromanagement.
Leading with Purpose
The two-day training featured presentations by other resource persons, including the Registrar of Trinity University, City Campus, Onike, Mr. David Oyejide, who spoke on Performance Management and Productivity, as well as Leading through Conflict.
Dr. Soji Adewunmi of the Institute of Distance Learning addressed participants on Digital Competence and Administrative Technology, while Mr. Bode Newo Magido of the Centre for Management Development facilitated a session on Change Management and Institutional Transformation.
The programme also featured contributions from senior University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and Research, Professor Olusoji Ilori, and the Director, Staff Training and Development Unit, Mrs. Asiwaju Aderonke.
In her remarks, Mrs. Aderonke emphasised the need for leaders to remain committed to continuous learning, noting that effective administration in the modern university requires professionals who are willing to continually update their knowledge and skills.
Developing the FUTURE-READY Workforce
The workshop reinforced the University’s commitment to developing a capable, adaptable and forward-looking workforce equipped to support effective governance, improve service delivery and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of UNILAG’s FUTURE-READY Agenda.
Author: Afolabi Akinola
Photographers: Joshua Michael and Eniola Onabajo
