The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos successfully completed a one-day Orientation/Refresher programme for all academic staff of the Faculty on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, the Orientation/Refresher programme had the theme: “Enhancing Academic Excellence in the University of Lagos”.
According to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the programme was an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn important things pertaining to teaching, research, and community service. He stressed the need for members of faculty to adapt to the tide of innovation, deliver best standards, and evolve in accordance with the changing landscape of tertiary education.
He also mentioned that the programme would provide participants with a great opportunity to reflect on the fundamental principles of academic excellence while also exploring new techniques, approaches, and technology that can improve teaching, research, and interactions with students in the faculty. He encouraged participants to immerse themselves fully in the programme and emphasized the importance of continuing to provide students with a rigorous, relevant, and responsive learning experience, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
Director, Academic Planning Unit, Prof. Olusoji Ilori kicked off the training session with a presentation on Navigating Institutional Policies and Procedures. Prof. Ilori lauded the FSS Dean for organizing the programme. He revealed that the Academic Planning Unit had recently submitted a proposal to the university management for the creation of an Academic Development Unit which would be in charge of organizing orientation/refresher programmes for lecturers in the University.
He expressed the opinion that “without policies, there would be chaos in the university. Thus, policies are critical to the University’s proper operation”.
He highlighted some of the University’s policies, particularly academic policies such as rules guiding admission and graduation, plagiarism, cheating, grading system, criteria for academic performance, addition & deletion of courses, among others. He emphasized the importance of grading with transparency and fairness.
Among other things, Prof. Ilori encouraged participants to familiarize themselves with the contents of the Human Resource Management policy, aka Yellow Book and University of Lagos Act, specifically Board of Studies, Deans of Teaching units, Appointment of academic staff, etcetera.
He highlighted the research management policy of the university, its objectives, intellectual property rights, plagiarism policy, to mention a few.
The refresher programme featured the following esteemed facilitators:
- Immediate past Dean and Professor of Sociology, Prof. ‘Funmi Bammeke who spoke on Lecturer-Student Relationships
- Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin of the Faculty of Law who spoke on Lecturers’ Responsibilities: Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Dr. Gabriel Akinbode of the Department of Psychology who spoke on Student Engagement Strategies and Evaluation Techniques
- Prof. Mayowa Fasona of the Department of Geography who spoke on Innovative Research and Publications.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Samuel Dosumu
