To boost their resourcefulness and competence, The Technical University, Ibadan recently held a two-day capacity building workshop for Administrative Officers and Drivers. While the Administrative Officers were taken through the fundamentals of speech, memo, minute and report writing, the Drivers went through training sessions that would enhance their service delivery.
In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami reminded the officers that “an institution is as strong as its staff”. He also mentioned the need for dedication to duty on the part of the administrators. The Vice-Chancellor described administrative officers as the fulcrum of the effective machinery that management has envisioned for the University.“Being the custodians of regulations, they are expected to be familiar with the laws and statutes of the university. You are the ones that people after you will look up to. Effective discharge of your duties and improvement are therefore necessary”, the Vice-Chancellor said.
While speaking on the need for the workshop in University’s Senate Chamber, the Chief Consultant of the Haven Lift Global Consult, Mr. Ayo Ogunruku explained that “once a person is unable to do what he is employed to do, he is not worthy of being there”. He pointed out that the workshop was organized to address the challenges in the work university administrators. “There is need to ensure that facilitators of the university objectives must be trained”, he said as he listed the objectives as “teaching, research and community service”.
Mr. Ogunruku also noted that for a young university like Tech-U, once the right foundation is laid, the generation coming will get it right. He however disclosed that oncethe foundation is inaccurate, a culture different from the university culture will be created. He went on to state that participants in the workshop will be able to demonstrate better communication skill and prevent errors in written expression in English Language.
In his presentation, Minutes, Minuting, Letter/Memo Writing, Speech Writing, Reports – The Administrator’s Trade Mark, Mr. Ogunruku noted that university administrators engage in planning, organizing, directing, staffing, coordinating and budgeting. He posited that without these, the system will not run well. He also warned administrators against struggling to be seen. “You must be anonymous as an administrator. Don’t struggle to be seen. Your work will announce you. Students may remember their lecturers but the university records will remember you”, he assured.
Professor Bayo Aborisade made a presentation on Minutes Writing- Architecture, Aesthetics and Ethics as well as sessions on Presentation Skills for Administrative Officers.
While addressing the Drivers, Mrs. Olu Matanmi, the Head of Training of the Oyo State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) went into details of proper maintenance of vehicles, safe driving as well as licensing. She encouraged the Drivers to apply for their licenses through the proper channel in order to avoid touts who are on the prowl defrauding unsuspecting applicants. Mrs. Matanmi also warned against unacceptable behaviours.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami made it known to the Drivers that the workshop was organized because the university knows the essence of their work. He also stated that the Management looks forward to seeing a difference in the quality of service delivery after the workshop.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
