The genius physicist who revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and matter with his theories of relativity, Albert Einstein, once said: “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
No truer words can be said as the concept of lifelong learning has always been a cornerstone of the educational system. A concept, that the University of Lagos has adopted once again to prepare its staff for future capabilities and relevance.
In a world where technological advancements result in an exponential increase in globalization, the onus lies on universities to produce graduates who are well-equipped with both soft and hard skills to meet the demands of the global market. Ergo, the responsibility of training staff members to deliver quality education and services also lies with the universities.
In line with this fundamental understanding, the management, University of Lagos (UNILAG), held a virtual briefing session with Coursera team on Monday, February 6, 2023. This led to the university obtaining licenses for online training of its staff, so they can be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills to provide the best education and support services to students.
Subsequently, a call for expression of interest to participate in online courses on the Coursera online learning platform was made on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
While some key officers had been nominated for these trainings, other members of staff were provided with the opportunity to apply for sponsorship and successful applicants, sponsored by the University.
Where Are We Now?
The first batch of non-teaching staff invited on Thursday, February 24, 2023, were advised to commence their training programmes on Monday, February 27, 2023, and given Monday, March 27, 2023, as the deadline for completion.
We are delighted to announce that several of the participants have successfully completed their courses.
They share their experiences of the online training with us below:
Dr. Ipaye received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” She informed that she received the nomination to participate in the Coursera online training programme with mixed feelings, having served at the highest level of university administration for 5 years, managing a diverse institution like the University of Lagos. However upon completion of the training, she was filled with gratitude to the university management under the leadership of our amiable Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunshola, FAS, for this initiative and the opportunity given her to learn something new.
Dr. Odekunle also received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” He disclosed that the knowledge he gained from the training regarding performance management is consistent with the new Public Service Rule which by implication will be applicable in the University especially on the reward system being envisioned by the Vice-Chancellor.
Mrs. Asiwaju equally received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” Through insights from the training she was compelled to recommend that annual appraisal of staff members should be replaced with a Performance Management System and that a reward system should be instituted to reward performance and motivate employees.
Mrs. Adefope received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” She mentioned that all the topics selected for the course will be very beneficial and relevant to her job.
Mrs. Ugochukwu received training in the course “International Leadership and Organizational Behaviour” from March 2 – 17, 2023. She concluded that responsible leaders support their followers to work through difficult ethical conflicts by challenging them to not settle with lazy temporary compromises but instead work towards true win-win solutions, for long-lasting or permanent benefits.
Mr. Ogungbamila received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” He shared that he was also able to sharpen his ability to work independently and appreciated the ability to decide his learning space.
Mrs. Nonyem Oguama received training in the course “International Leadership and Organizational Behaviour”. She expressed her profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola FAS and the entire members of the Management of the University of Lagos for introducing the COURSERA programme to the staff of the University.
Mr. Olanitori received training in the course ”The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” He shared that the amiable first female Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS deserves utmost commendation for partnering with COURSERA.
Mrs. Akinyeye received training in the course ”The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” She expressed her profound gratitude and deep appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and other Management staff for this rare opportunity for self-improvement and skill acquisition.
Mrs. Christiana Taiwo Oloyede received training in the course “Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups.” She appreciated the University Management team under the leadership of Professor Folasade Ogunsola, for this privilege.
Mr. Akinwunmi also received training in the course “The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work.” He informed that the training opened participant up to ways of identifying and managing conflict in the workplace as well as gave a fresh insight into key elements employment.
You Next!
Online training programs offer a convenient and cost-effective way for staff members to acquire new skills or enhance their existing ones without having to leave their workstations or campus. It offers a variety of options, including soft and hard skills. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management, are crucial for staff members to interact effectively with students and colleagues. Hard skills, such as computer programming, data analysis, and project management, are also essential for staff members who handle administrative tasks or research projects.
Members of staff of the University of Lagos are hereby encouraged to key into the vision of a “Future-Ready UNILAG” and make the best of this opportunity. By acquiring new skills, you become more efficient and productive in your roles, which can lead to job satisfaction and recognition. It cannot be overemphasized; continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.
Please note that:
- Ongoing Coursera learners should adhere to the stipulated deadline of 27th March 2023. The reports and copies of their certificates should be sent to the Staff Training and Development Centre.
- The list of the second batch of participants includes those whose application letters were received after the deadline publicized.
- Interested applicants should apply through their heads of units for participation in future batches. Staff official email and Staff number should be included in the information provided. These applications should be collated and sent by the department. For ease of processing, the soft copies of these lists should be sent to stafftraininganddevelopment@unilag.edu.ng
- There are a lot of short-term free online Coursera courses for development and capacity building. Members of Staff could log in to coursera.org and search for free online Coursera courses. Some of the courses have durations as low as (12) hours.
- Staff Training and Development Centre only enlists non-teaching Staff from the Registry, Library, Bursary, CITS, Medical Centre, Works and Physical Planning etc. The Laboratory Assistants should take advantage of the licenses allocated to their faculties.
