The President of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), Dr. Victor Mkuma Bem, said the association is poised to promote excellent university administration in Nigeria. He said this at the 2024 ANUPA Training Workshop which was held from 22nd -25th May 2024, at Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, Abuja.

During his opening remarks and welcome address, Dr. Bem noted that the theme- Sustaining a Culture of Excellence in University Administration aptly captures ANUPA’s “desire to ensure continuous professional development and a corresponding, improved, service delivery system” across Nigeria’s 272 universities. He said the workshop will enhance efficient and effective administration in Universities/ degree awarding institutions in Nigeria.

“The training shall improve performances of participants and by extension, enhance administrative and academic excellence in our institutions,” he stated. “I hope that the knowledge acquired here will be shared to the larger university community during step-down trainings.”

The ANUPA president expressed gratitude to the executive secretary of NUC for allowing ANUPA to use the Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium for their workshop, adding that this training event was the second one conducted under his leadership. He also appreciated the five “resource persons carefully selected” to train participants on relevant sub-themes. These are:

Barrister Titus Ifeanyi Igwe – Registrar, Alex Ekweme Federal University, Abakaliki/Immediate Past President of ANUPA– The Role of Professional University: Administrator in Synergization of E-Administration and Student Support Services.

Mr. Nasir Bellow – former registrar, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina – Strategies for Effective Interviewing: A Practical Guide to Securing Appointments in the University System.

Mr. Oyedipe Oladimeji Adefemi – Director, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja – Embracing Diversity: The Importance of Blending, Equity and Inclusion in University Administration.

Dr. Ebenezer Ayoola Felix – Administrative Secretary, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri – Managing Emotional Intelligence and Stress Threshold in the Face of Evolving Economy and Job Performance in the University Setting.

Mr. Sam C. Mwansat – former ANUPA national president – Expectant Collaboration, Synergy and Adaptability Roles of the Professional Administrators in Identifying and Deploying the Right Strategies in University Administration in the Face of Global Competitiveness.

In his speech as the chairman of the conference, the representative of the executive secretary of NUC, John Ahmadu, said senior university professional administrators have a pivotal role to play in running the efficient running of university system in Nigeria. He said the programme will boost professionalism in managing tertiary institutions using continuous human capital development.

“As custodians of records in your respective institutions, professional administrators bear profound responsibility in nurturing and preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of life even after graduation,” Ahmadu stated. “The NUC as the regulatory agency for university education will continue to undertake its responsibilities towards the production of the required human capacity that will guarantee relevance for national development and indeed, global competiveness.”

Some ANUPA executives and delegates that attended the workshop are: Dr. Victor Mkuma Bem – ANUPA president; Mrs. Stella Soola – ANUPA VP1; Mrs. Jalaba Sheikh – ANUPA VP2; Dr. Blessing Chijindu Ezeobi – ANUPA national secretary; Mr. Ibrahim Dantani– Assistant National Secretary; Mr. Adeniji J. Akin – National Training Officer; Mr. Ugbomeh Teena Nwabuife – National Treasurer; Mr. Umar Shehu Jabo – National Financial Secretary; Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi – Editor-in-Chief; Barr. Lami Temine; Barr. Isaac Ataben – National Legal Adviser; Dr. Donald Akinmade – National PRO.

Others are Mr. Okey Ikegbunam – immediate past VP2; Barr. T.I. Igwe – immediate past president; Dr. Felicia E. Ekuzu – Registrar, Bayelsa Medical University; and Mr. Abiodun Okunnaya – Registrar, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, among others.

Dr. Bem and some attendees said the programme was an overall success and look forward to another edition next year.