The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has emphasisedthe need for continuous investment in academic staff towards equipping them with the necessary expertise to excel in their roles and contribute to the University’s drive for academic excellence. He noted that enhanced skills and knowledge among teaching staff members often lead to better academic performance and student outcomes.
The Vice-Chancellor made the submission at a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop organised recently for the early and middle level career academics at the Ibogun Campus of the University.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Agboola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin, disclosed that the workshop was approved to educate the participants on how things were expected to be done in the university setting. He said the University, as a peculiar community, has its own rules and regulations as well as way of life that are completely different from other establishments.
In order to promote a culture of continuous learning, development and excellence in the University, the Vice-Chancellor stated that academic staff must adhere to the rules and regulations governing the operations of the institution.
He pointed out that the University authorities observed that many staff, who joined the services of OOU in the last few years, do not understand the
unique culture and tradition of the university system, hence the need to give them appropriate orientation.
The Vice-Chancellor said, “This Capacity Building Workshop is an initiative of the Appointment and Promotion Committee of the University. What the committee observed was that a number of new staff have joined the University in the last couple of years and some of them have not worked in the university environment. So, they are coming into the University for the very first time.
“You know that the University is a peculiar community; it has its own rules and regulations. The University has its own way of conduct. So, the A & PC observed that some of our colleagues were getting queries and some have even been sacked on account of infractions committed which maybe they deliberately violated university regulations or they did not know.
“So, the main essence of this workshop is to let you know some of the things that you ought to have been told at the point of your appointments so that you can integrate well into the university setting,” he told the various participants. Prof. Agboola underscored the significance of teaching staff within the University system, saying that they play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future leaders and professionals. He added that the University wanted the academic staff to put in their best and operate without running into any problems.
“There is no organisation that can truly become great if the personnel do not know what that organisationstands for. The University is a place where you can find fulfilment and you can express yourself once you keep to the rules. But you should know the rules. So, that’s why we organised this Capacity Building Workshop,” he further stated.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the University Management’s commitment to staff development in accordance with the founding fathers’ vision of delivering high-quality education and driving academic research and innovation.
The workshop featured important discussion topics ranging from exam matters to staff conduct, peer review and statutory duties, among others.
The Provost, College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Prof. Bashir Odufuwa, made a presentation on “Exam Matters – Setting Questions, Grading Scripts, Administration of Examinations and Continuous Assessments” while Prof. Olawale Ogunsemi spoke on the topic, “Staff Conduct: Staff-Students Relationship, Respect for University Rules and Regulations, Staff Code of Conducts.”
Also, a former Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Olufemi Kalesanwo, discussed “The Culture of Peer Assessment, Mentoring, A 21st Century Model Lecturer/Lecturing – Updating of Self – the Duty of Staying Relevant” while a former Dean of Social Sciences, Prof. Israel Ademiluyi, dissected the topic “Staff Statutory Responsibilities and Duties – Attendance at Lectures, Department/Faculty/University Meetings, Procedures for Writing Official Memos.” Speaking at the end of the workshop, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Olufunke Akinkurolere, thanked the University Management for approving the training, noting that it would significantly enhance the research, teaching and administrative capabilities of staff at the Ibogun Campus.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity for staff to upgrade their skills and knowledge, which would in turn benefit the students and the University’s academic reputation.
