Don Tasks University Administrators To Embrace Innovation For Technological Advancement – News Agency Of Nigeria

By Ige Adekunle Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has advised university administrators to embrace innovation to remain relevant in the technological hemisphere. Adebayo gave the advice during the 1st Covenant University Annual Registry Training on Thursday in Ota. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the training is, “Essential Skills for the 21st Century University Administrators”. The three-day programme, which began on Wednesday, will end on Friday. The VC said that the institution understands the importance of engaging university administrators in capacity building for personal and organisational growth. “The success and future of any university depends on the quality of its workforce as well as skill development. “The university administrators should be proactive in embracing innovation, efficient concept and development of technical skill as well as competence that will make them to be relevant in this 21st century,” he said. According to Adebayo, the role of registry of any institution can not be overemphasised, as it is the engine room that drives administrative functions of universities. He said that employees that were not ICT compliant would not be able to survive in any university and competitive environment. In her opening remark, Mrs Regina Tobi-David, Registrar of the institution, said that the maiden edition of the 1st Annual Registry Training was to enhance the technical competence of the participants and expose them to best practices. Tobi-David said that the institution has the ability to raise a new generation of leaders. She noted that the primary mission of the institution is “primarily to create knowledge and restore the dignity and bastardised image of the black race”. Mr Ayorinde Ogunruku, Consultant and former registrar, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). in his keynote address, said that administrators of the 21st century must not only be creative but inventors. Ogunruku added that modern-day administrators must be abreast of global best practices and cognisant of the emerging trends in technology. “Universities need to invest more and increase their budgetary provisions for ICT, including increase in band-widths and uninterrupted power supply, “he said. Ogunruku stressed the need for university administrators to engage more positively in mentoring the next generation to ensure positive continuity of the age-long university’s values and culture of excellence. Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa