The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Olugbenag Ige, has stressed the need for the leadership of various arms of the University to enhance their efficient and effective service delivery that would further position the Institution for relevance.
Prof. Ige gave the charge on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, while opening a one-day leadership training organised by the Teaching and Leadership Centre of the University for Deans, Directors, and Heads of Department and Unit.
Prof. Ige said, “I welcome you all to this one-day leadership training purposefully organised to hone the skills and effectiveness of our senior officers towards enhancing efficient and effective service delivery in the University. I consider this programme very crucial and timely going by the various challenges rocking the administration of Universities globally at this critical period.
“You will agree with me that every institution, including our University, has its peculiar experiences in this caldron of challenges. Looking forward, the roles of the leadership of higher institutions have been considered imperative in addressing these challenges and in positioning the institutions for relevance among its stakeholders.”
While noting that leadership required an individual with vision and mission and strong influence for achieving common goals by motivating his or her co-workers to conduct a planned change for a system, the VC commended the Teaching and Leadership Centre for organising the training for the ‘indispensable individuals and middlemen in the University leadership ladder who are shouldered with the responsibilities of positioning the University for greater heights through innovative and creative ideas at the face of its current challenges’.
He thanked the resources persons for accepting to share their wealth of experience with the policy drivers of the University, and reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritise manpower development as a critical tool in building a 21st Century compliant work force.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Director, Teaching and Leadership Centre, Prof. Oluyemisi Adebowale, had said the training became imperative for the newly-appointed Deans, Directors and Heads of Department and Unit to get acquainted with the nitty-gritty of the expectations of their office for the overall uplift of the University.
Prof. Adebowale said, “There is the need for all policy drivers in AAUA to be acquainted with the nitty-gritty of the expectations of their offices. They must understand the basic things needed to have a successful tenure; conversant with the administrative and academic issues that need to be addressed; acquainted with work ethics, professionalism and how to build personal effectiveness in the system; and have good understanding of the relevant procedures, rules and regulations governing the conditions of service, appointments, promotion, discipline, general obligations of staff, budget implementation and preparation for accreditation.”
She appreciated the Vice Chancellor for approving the training and for providing the resources and ensuring a conducive environment for its success.
Pro. C.A Daramola spoke on “University Administration and Leadership: Responsibility of Deans, Directors and Heads of Department/Unit; while Mr. Adedayo Adedeji examined “Administrative Input for Organizational Growth; and Prof. Victor Olumekun talked on “Leadership Creativity and Innovation”.
Other resources persons were the University Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina, who spoke on “Effective Budget Implementation”; Prof. Emmanuel Fayankinnu, who examined “Conflict Management and Resolution”; Prof. M.A. Hassan, who talked on “Teaching, Examination Administration and Result Processing”; Prof. Bolanle Ogungbamila, who lectured on “From Feedback-to-Feedback Loop”; and Prof. Benson Akinnawonu, who talked on “Tips on Accreditation”.
Leadership Roles Vital for Positioning Institution for Relevance – AAUA VC
