As part of efforts aimed at enhancing efficient service delivery and improving the overall student experience, the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos (SPGS, UNILAG), held a one-day staff retreat on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The retreat, held at the School’s Boardroom, had the theme “Student Experience: The Present and Future of Universities.” It brought together members of staff for the purpose of reflection, learning, and forward-thinking discussions.
Welcoming the participants, Dean of SPGS, Professor Abraham Osinubi, underscored the need for the school to continually evolve in response to the changing demands of postgraduate education. He noted that beyond academic excellence, the overall experience of students must remain central to the postgraduate school’s mission.
According to him, positioning SPGS to deliver a fulfilling and impactful student experience is strategic and key to strengthening its global relevance and reputation.
A thought-provoking moment during his address came when he questioned whether all staff truly understood the core mandate of the school. He recounted instances where some lower-cadre staff could not clearly explain what SPGS does, highlighting the need for deeper internal engagement. He stressed that every staff member, regardless of role, is a stakeholder in shaping the student experience.
Setting the tone for the day, the Deputy Registrar/Administrative Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adedunye delivered a session titled “From Insight to Impact: Reflections on the Last Retreat”. His presentation encouraged participants to reflect on past outcomes while focusing on translating ideas into measurable improvements. The session was interactive, prompting honest conversations about progress made and areas requiring renewed attention.
One of the standout sessions was delivered by the Group CEO of SEAL Group and Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (MCIoD), Tonya O. Lawani.
Speaking on “Enhancing Student Experience Through Positive Workplace Attitudes: Building a Culture of Excellence in SPGS Services,” she brought a unique perspective as both a professional and a current postgraduate student of the University.
Drawing from her personal experience, she described her time so far at the University as largely positive, attributing this to the strong support received from staff within SPGS and across the University. She noted that the postgraduate school’s transition towards digitalized services, improved research support, and the provision of regular updates and clear communication channels have significantly enhanced overall student experience.
She added that, despite encountering a few discouraging opinions prior to enrolment, her experience has been shaped positively by the professionalism, workplace attitude, and service culture within the University, all of which have influenced her perception of the institution.
Further aligning discussions with the University’s broader vision, the Sub-Dean, Dr. Aliu Soyingbe examined the Future-Ready Agenda of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, in a session titled “The Future-Ready University and Expectations from SPGS.” He broke down the agenda into actionable expectations, highlighting the need for adaptability, innovation, and responsiveness in postgraduate administration.
Complementing this, Dr. Viola Akhigbe delivered a session on “Building a Future-Ready SPGS: Strategic Repositioning for Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainable Growth.” She challenged participants to rethink the role of SPGS as not just an academic hub but as a platform for partnerships, innovation, and long-term impact. Her session introduced practical ideas and frameworks to reposition the school for sustained relevance.
The retreat also featured group activities and open discussions, where participants assessed the current state of the school and identified areas for improvement across different units. The sessions also provided an opportunity for collective reflection and reinforced the importance of teamwork in achieving institutional goals.
At its core, the retreat reinforced a simple but powerful message: students remain central to the existence of the institution and ensuring that their academic journey is meaningful, and enriching is not optional; it is essential.
The SPGS retreat, which began in 2024 and is now in its third edition, reflects the strong commitment of Professor Osinubi and his team of dedicated staff to improving productivity, strengthening service culture, and, most importantly, creating a postgraduate experience that students will value long after they leave the University.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel Dosunmu
