The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, University of Lagos Chapter (ANUPA, UNILAG) has held its Quarterly Masterclass, offering professional administrators an in-depth and practical perspective on the operations, responsibilities, and strategic demands of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Themed “ Managing a Modern University: An Overview of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office ,” the Masterclass was held at the Senate Chamber, Senate House, UUNILAG, and facilitated by Mr. Abolade A. Akinwunmi, FNIM, Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG.
The session provided participants with practical insights into the workings of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, key administrative processes, and the critical role of professional administrators in supporting effective university governance.
Anchored on the Future-Ready Agenda
Setting the tone for the presentation, Mr. Akinwunmi situated the operations of the Office within the broader vision of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and her Future-Ready Agenda.
He highlighted the four growth pillars underpinning the agenda:
- Financial Re-engineering,
- Infrastructural Development,
- Reputation Building, and Research, and
- Manpower Development (FIRM).
He noted that the agenda is ultimately geared towards building an innovative and entrepreneurial university while unlocking the potential of both staff and students.
Navigating the Nerve Centre
Drawing from his experience in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Akinwunmi took participants through the complexities of managing the nerve centre of a modern university. He shared practical approaches to handling sensitive situations, managing competing demands, and providing effective administrative support to the principal officer.
He emphasised the importance of discretion, emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and institutional loyalty in the performance of administrative responsibilities, particularly in an office where decisions can have far-reaching implications for the University.
Managing Crises and Ensuring Continuity
A key issue that generated considerable interest during the interactive session was crisis management. Mr. Akinwunmi stressed the need for administrators to remain composed, understand the issues at hand, and provide solutions that protect both the interests of their principals and the institution.
He also addressed the often-debated issue of handover notes. Mr. Akinwunmi urged administrators to move beyond documenting only physical assets or routine information. According to him, a useful handover note should capture the specific responsibilities handled, actions already taken, pending matters, relevant institutional context, and recommendations to enable a successor to understand the office and continue its work effectively.
The objective, he noted, should not be to simply document what an officer is leaving behind, but to ensure continuity and provide the incoming officer with sufficient knowledge to build on existing work and improve office operations.
Governance and Working Dynamics
The facilitator also spoke on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other principal officers at UNILAG.
He further discussed the dynamics of working within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, emphasising trust, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and the ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to the needs of the principal officer.
The interactive session featured questions and contributions from participants, with Mr. Akinwunmi responding from his wealth of experience to provide practical perspectives on administrative practice.
Recognition and Celebrations
The Masterclass also featured the recognition of previous facilitators. Honoured were the inaugural speaker, Mr. Kehinde Nureni Onakoya of the Academic Affairs Directorate, whose presentation focused on “ Examinations Office: Functions and Processes in the University System ,” and Mr. Olakunle Babatunde of the Provost’s Office, College of Medicine, who facilitated the May 14, 2026 edition at Idi-Araba on “ Building Synergy Between Academic and Administrative Units: A Critical Glance at the Office of the Provost .”
The occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate newly appointed Deputy Registrars of the University. They were introduced amid warm applause: Mr. Oluseyi Sanya (Council Affairs); Mrs. Nneka Ugochukwu (Registrar’s Office); Mrs. Helen Oribayo (Registrar’s Office); Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem (Communication Unit); Mr. Hakeem Salaudeen (Admissions Office); and Dr. (Mrs.) Olufadeke Akinleye (Human Resources Development Centre, HRDC).
Among senior University administrators present were former Registrar and current Director of Office of Advancement, Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, FNIM ; Director, Property Development and Investment , Barrister (Mrs.) Yetunde Ogunlewe who represented the Registrar, Mrs. Bosede Wickliffe and other senior administrative officers.
Commitment to Capacity Building
The Quarterly Masterclass reinforced ANUPA-UNILAG’s commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge-sharing.
Beyond the lecture, the session served as a valuable platform for reflection, interaction, and professional exchange, underscoring the critical role of competent and emotionally intelligent administrators in translating institutional vision into effective governance and service delivery.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Maleeq Quadri (Intern)
