The Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is currently hosting a five-day training course on Efficient University Council Affairs Management Training for Council Affairs Officers of Nigerian Universities.
Designed to enhance the capacity of university administrators across Nigeria,the programme which began with the arrival of participants on Monday, April 7, 2025 is scheduled to end on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Opening Ceremony
Speaking at the official opening ceremony held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bolanle Oboh who represented the Vice-Chancellor, commended HRDC-UNILAG for organising “a timely and impactful initiative.”
She noted that the course would “foster more effective engagement between university administrators and their respective Governing Councils, enhancing mutual understanding and institutional governance”.
Just before she formally declared the training open, Professor Oboh expressed delight that seasoned facilitators, from within and outside UNILAG, would bring real-world experience to the sessions.
Insightful Sessions
One of the highlights of the programme was the session on Efficient Minutes Taking and Report Writing, handled expertly by the Director of Staff Training and Development Unit (ST&DU), UNILAG, Mrs. J. Aderonke Asiwaju.
She provided a detailed walkthrough of best practices in minutes and report writing, stressing the importance of clarity, simplicity, and accuracy. She also encouraged attendees to draft reports and minutes immediately after meetings to avoid overlooking important details.
Mrs. Asiwaju introduced useful tips captured as acronyms such as KISS: Keep It Short and Simple and ARTECCO: Accuracy, Reliability, Timeliness, Error-free, Clarity, Compliance, and Organised Structure, which offered participants easy-to-remember frameworks for effective documentation.
Other sessions covered by seasoned bigwigs and renowned administrators who delivered resourceful and practicable papers during the training include:
- Relationship between Management and Council: Prof. Rahamon Bello, FAEng -Former Vice Chancellor, UNILAG
- Time & Resources Planning and Prioritization for Efficient Council Affairs Management: Prof. L. O. C. Chukwu, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), UNILAG
- Records & Information: Security and Management: Prof. O. C. Okiki, University Librarian UNILAG
- Managing Council Meetings: Pre & Post meeting Actions, Hosting Digital Meetings, as well as Managing University Ceremonies Involving Council Members: Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye – Former Registrar and Director, Office of Advancement, UNILAG
- Overview of The University System: Governance Structure & Responsibility Lines in the University: Dr. Bola Adekola, Former FUNAAB Registrar
- Procurement Process Role of Management & Council: Mr. O. H. Sonde, Former Bursar, UNILORIN & Director of Procurement, UNILAG
- Introduction to Council Affairs Management Including Welfare of Council Members: Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede & Mrs. Lateefat Adekola of UNILAG
MORE THAN JUST A COURSE!
The training programme featured regular exercise breaks handled by Professor Grace O. Otinwa, an internationally-acclaimed Exercise Psychologist &Former Director, Quality Assurance and Servicom, UNILAG.
With the closing ceremony and departure of participants slated for Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, 2025 respectively, the HRDC-.UNILAG 2025 Training Programme on Efficient University Council Affairs Management Training for Council Affairs Officers of Nigerian Universities underscores the commitment of UNILAG to promoting administrative excellence in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, participants are in for a treat with a scheduled tour of the UNILAG Main Library and courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at the Senate House, UNILAG.
