The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) has announced the training of 450 members across the country as part of its ongoing efforts to improve administrative standards in Nigerian universities.
Chairman of the ANUPA branch at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Dr. Don Aalonee, made this known in Port Harcourt, Monday, during a two-day training session for members of the Association.
The theme of the training is, ‘’University Administration: Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Excellence.’’
Aalonee explained that ANUPA organised the training to ensure that administrative officers in the nation’s universities were equipped with up-to-date technological and innovative competencies to enhance their effectiveness.
He expressed confidence that regular capacity building for professional administrators in universities across the country would significantly contribute to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.
“This training is designed to equip members with the relevant knowledge and skills to improve their performance.
“We deliberately selected topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Coaching and Mentorship, Student-Centred Administration, and Collaborative Leadership, in response to the demands of the present times”, he stated.
Other areas of training include Understanding the Role of Administrators in University Governance and Decision-making and Strategies to Sustaining Momentum and Overcoming Resistance to Change.
Aalonee emphasised that many junior administrators in tertiary institutions were yet to fully grasp the workings of the university system due to lack of coaching and mentorship.
“These junior administrators often feel disconnected from the system because their senior counterparts failed to invest in the training of those coming behind them.
“We aim to use this workshop to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations, enabling mentorship that supports mutual growth.
“ANUPA is committed to achieving this, so that when the older generation of administrators retires, they can confidently hand over to capable successors”, he said.
The union Chairman disclosed that about 450 members and delegates from 11 public and private universities were expected to participate in the programme.
He named participating universities to include UNIPORT; Bayero University, Kano; Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi; and Osun State University, Osogbo.
Other participating universities are the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Bowen University, Osun; and the Nigerian Maritime University, Delta.
Aalonee noted that ANUPA had assembled leading local and international experts to serve as resource persons for the training, including current and former registrars from universities across the country.
The Vice Chancellor of University of Port-Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said “the world is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring workers to adapt to the evolving global landscape”.
He noted that university administration was equally progressing towards digital transformation, artificial intelligence, global interconnectedness, and emerging model teaching, learning and research.
“Therefore, for university administrators to remain relevant and effective, they must cultivate a mindset that embraces technology, continuous innovation, and adaptive leadership”, he said.
Georgewill commended ANUPA for its vital role in advancing professional development of university administrators through strategic training and capacity building initiatives.
The Director of Student Experience at Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Ms. Alison Whaley, delivered a virtual session on coaching and mentorship.
In her presentation, she affirmed that administrators play a pivotal role in the success of any university.
Whaley stated that the role of a mentor was to assist mentees in developing insight from multiple perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and a developmental mindset.
According to her, mentors and coaches must be willing to devote time, possess leadership qualities, and practice active listening to impact their knowledge and guidance effectively.

Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick