Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, on Monday, 7th April, 2025, held a one-day retreat for her senior non-academic staff in the University. The retreat, themed “Optimizing Capacity for Efficient University Administration,” reiterated the University’s commitment to professional development and recognition that institutional excellence is paved with empowered and motivated staff. The retreat was facilitated by seasoned administrators from Achievers University and other Nigerian higher institutions to inspire, educate, and equip the staff with tools for professional growth and institutional development.
In his opening presentation titled “Achievers University of My Dream and You,” the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Achievers University, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, underscored the vital role non-teaching staff play in shaping the institution’s future. Recalling the University’s founding dreams and its unbroken academic calendar since inception, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde challenged the staff members to embrace integrity, diligence, and professionalism. “Your prosperity, growth and happiness are sure when the University prospers,” he stated, urging them to uphold good virtues for institutional success.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, in her remarks, further motivated the staff to leverage the retreat as an opportunity to recalibrate their administrative approach. “This retreat is more than a break from routine; it is a moment to reflect, refine, and re-strategize. Let the insights gained today inspire you to scale your performance as administrators,” she charged.
Leading the presentations with a lecture titled, “Overview of University Structure and Functionality”, the Deputy Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Achievers University, Dr. Olutosin Illesanmi, provided an insightful overview of Achievers University’s structure and functionality and stressed the vital role of non-teaching staff in the seamless running of academic operations.
The Director/Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Barr. Adegbenro Obanewa in his presentation titled “Strategic Issues and Framework in Office Administration and Documentation in the University” delved into the foundational principles of university administration, outlining the strategic issues facing modern university offices—ranging from information management and digital transformation to compliance and human capital development. He emphasized the importance of a strategic plan in guiding university operations and aligning administrative tasks with institutional goals.
Furthering the impact of the retreat, Mr. T. I. Musa, Senior Deputy Registrar from the University of Ibadan, explored the link between administrative service excellence and institutional growth with his lecture titled “Service Excellence in Administration Through Personal and Professional Growth and Conduct”. His session dissected key components of effective university administration, highlighting communication, stakeholder engagement, complaint management, innovation, and stress management.
Prof. Adekemi Olowookere of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife led a dynamic session on “Teamwork, Collaboration, and Leadership in Administration.” She emphasized that effective collaboration and leadership are the bedrock of any successful academic institution and urged staff to work harmoniously for collective growth.
The Acting Registrar, Mr Adebayo Olagunju appreciated the Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Ayorinde for his creating an enabling environment not only for the non-academic but the entire workforce of the University, noting the validity of his dream to ensure the University excels on all fronts — academic, administrative, and infrastructural. He also extended the appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irinoye for her passionate support for the realization of the vision. He reiterated the renewed commitment of the staff to apply the knowledge gained from the retreat towards building a more ethical, productive, and responsive university system.
Other Achievers University officials at the retreat included the Immediate Past Registrar, Rev. Canon Bayode Oladimeji; the Bursar, Mrs Oluwafunbi Ayodele; the General Manager of Achievers Ventures, Mr Daniel Farinre; the Director of Works, Engr Adebayo Adesida; Ag. Director of ICT, Mr Chris Onova; the Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. Fadare; the Chief Nursing Officer, Mr Opeyemi and the Ag. Deputy Bursar, Mr Tokunbo Ajetumobi.
