The Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Thursday, October 8, 2026, held its maiden departmental retreat themed “Refuel, Reconnect, Refocus.”
The retreat, held at the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS), UNILAG, provided an opportunity for academic and non-teaching staff of the Department to reflect on their achievements and challenges, strengthen team spirit, and set strategic priorities ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.
“We are here to stay, … we are here to win the grants, we are here to build capacity”
In her welcome remarks, the Head of Department, Professor Aderonke Samuel, appreciated members of staff for their commitment to service and contributions to the growth of the Department during the previous academic session. She described the session as both challenging and rewarding, noting that the achievements recorded were made possible by the resilience and dedication of the Department’s academic and non-academic staff.
Professor Samuel highlighted the Department’s trailblazing record in the Faculty of Life Sciences Seminar Series and its maiden DNA Day celebration as some of the notable milestones recorded during the period.
While appreciating the University Management for its support, Professor Samuel said the retreat was designed to foster team spirit, renew staff commitment, and prepare the Department for a productive, purposeful, and excellent 2026/2027 academic session. Her words: “We are here to stay, we are here to grow, we are here to flourish, we are here to win the grants, we are here to build capacity.”
In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Professor Ganiyu Oyetibo, congratulated the Department on its maiden retreat and commended its staff for maintaining a positive attitude towards work despite the peculiar challenges confronting the University system.
Professor Oyetibo noted that the Department had recorded significant achievements within the past year at both staff and student levels, adding that its contributions had become increasingly visible within the Faculty.
While commending the Department for taking the lead in several initiatives, the Dean stressed the importance of sustaining a culture of collaboration and excellence. His words: “For you to sustain your edge, the aura of love, mutual respect, team spirit and camaraderie must be kept growing.”
Similarly, the Dean, Faculty of Earth and Physical Sciences, Professor Taiwo Asekun, applauded the initiative behind the retreat, noting that it provided an opportunity for team evaluation and would help make the tasks ahead better articulated and achievable.
“The Excellent University Staff: From Occupying a Position to Creating Institutional Value“
The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), UNILAG, Professor Abraham Osinubi, anchored the first plenary session with a presentation titled “The Excellent University Staff: From Occupying a Position to Creating Institutional Value.”
Professor Osinubi’s presentation centred on the proposition that “a university becomes excellent only when ordinary responsibilities are performed extraordinarily by people who understand that their job is bigger than the job description.”
The session, which was a masterclass, emphasised the importance of forward thinking, mentorship, and preparing students to develop solutions to future challenges.
The Professor of Anatomy also underscored the importance of servant leadership, team spirit, healthy interpersonal relationships, and an inclusive approach to achieving institutional goals.
Ahead of the new academic session, Professor Osinubi challenged both academic and non-teaching staff of the Department to remain conscious of institutional expectations, pursue continuous career development, and recognise the importance of measurable impact in their respective roles.
He further urged staff to contribute to the development of independent scholars and recommit themselves to excellence in the discharge of their responsibilities, emphasising that individual performance and institutional progress are closely interconnected.
The retreat also featured panel sessions on topics covering career growth and development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and innovations in teaching and research. Breakout sessions were held as part of efforts to reposition and reinvigorate the Department for enhanced service delivery.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
