Covenant University recently conducted a one-day training workshop, as part of the continuous effort to improve its systems and streamline administrative processes, prepare participants for their various assignments, and provide in-depth insights into proper governance as the Omega Semester Examination approaches.
The program with the theme, ‘Driving Efficient Administration of Academic Processes at Covenant University,’ which was hosted at the University’s Senate Chamber, aimed to ensure that all University processes and procedures are well understood and adhered to, with a couple of corrections and amendments effected to deliver qualitative service, for the realization of its vision and goals.
Speaking at the event, in a presentation titled, ‘Implications of HoD Oversights and Capacity Building in a World-Class University,’ the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, decried the spates of negligence and the implications, which can impact students' performance, departmental growth, and the overall vision and mission of the university.
He explained the key functions of HoDs at Covenant University, such as being the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of their departments, preserving academic integrity and culture, managing quality assurance, and ensuring effective teaching; other functions include leadership and management, planning and strategy development, academic leadership, people management, financial and resource management, communications and external relations, statutory compliance, and development of academic standing.
Professor Adebayo noted that any issues within a department can affect the entire university’s operations. He addressed urgent matters such as some HoDs and professors not attending classes, poor teaching quality, and lateness to classes and meetings. He outlined the primary roles of a Head of Department (HoD), including providing leadership, driving the vision, empowering others, and managing departmental strategies.
He shared his commitment to attending classes, setting questions, and grading papers, even with his other responsibilities as the Vice-Chancellor. He urged faculty members to perform their duties diligently, maintaining academic integrity. He warned that all activities are being monitored, and any breaches of academic culture would have consequences.
Professor Adebayo, stressed that only those who are faithful in their current responsibilities will achieve greater success. He urged participants to view themselves as stewards working in God’s vineyard, with a collective goal of meeting high expectations. He quoted 1 Corinthians 4:2, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in stewardship.
In conclusion, the VC quoted Barack Obama and Winston Churchill, saying, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek,”- Obama, and “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often,” - Churchill.
In his presentation titled, ‘The Psychological Impact of Poor Result Management,’ the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olujide A. Adekeye, highlighted the psychological stress and anxiety faced by students due to registration challenges and poor result processing.
He emphasized the need for academic leaders to take responsibility and familiarize themselves with university processes to better support students. Professor Adekeye discussed the negative impacts of poor result management, including feelings of inadequacy and increased anxiety among students. He urged academic leaders to seek help when in doubt, emphasizing that it is a sign of maturity, not weakness.
In her remarks, at the event, the Registrar, Mrs. Regina Tobi-David, appreciated all participants and announced a new update aimed at offloading some roles from the faculty to allow them more time for research and quality results. She outlined the new responsibilities of departmental officers, including lecture monitoring, class attendance capture, class management, and ensuring students’ compliance.
Mrs. Tobi-David also emphasized the importance of students carrying their identity cards and announced that departmental officers would handle course registration, student file management, excursion requests, and other administrative tasks in collaboration with departmental heads.
Other facilitators include, the Dean, College of Science and Technology, Professor Timothy A. Anake; the Dean, College of Engineering, Professor David O. Olukanni; the Chair, Analytics Committee, Professor Ahzegbobor P. Aizebeokhai; the Chair, Quality Assurance and Academic Standards Committee (QAASC), Professor Olubanke O. Ogunlana; the Director, Academic Planning Unit, Dr. Emmanuel O. Amoo and the Director, Center for Learning Resources, Dr. Ada S. Peter.