A distinguished delegation from the Society of Management Systems Practitioners of Nigeria (SMSPN), led by the society's President, Engr. Adebayo Adenekan, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Covenant University Management. The visit which was part of the activities to mark the celebration of the World Quality Week, in partnership with Covenant University, with a special event themed, ‘Exploring Opportunities in the Management Systems Practice,’ to engage with the University's leadership and promote its commitment to quality management systems.
The visit elicited a warm reception from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, who took the opportunity to speak about the university’s dedication to excellence. He cited a personal example of how Covenant University upholds high standards, by recounting an experience involving his own son. When his son did not meet the University’s cut-off marks for a desired course, he was advised to choose an alternative program for which he was qualified. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Covenant University operates on strict principles of fairness and merit, with no room for exceptions, even for those close to its leadership.
Professor Adebayo also shared a memorable story about the Chancellor of the University, whose ward, a student then, at Covenant University, faced a disciplinary issue. When the Chancellor was called about the matter, his response was that the University should administer the same level of discipline to his relative as it would to any other student. “We only have God to answer to in matters like this,” the Chancellor stated, reflecting the institution’s unwavering commitment to its standards.
The Vice-Chancellor proudly noted that Covenant University is the only institution where high-profile individuals, including governors, have come to retrieve their children after they violated University rules, underscoring the institution’s uncompromising stance on discipline.
Professor Adebayo expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Society of Management Systems Practitioners of Nigeria, emphasizing that the partnership would be mutually beneficial and would further promote the University’s commitment to excellence in management practices.
In his remarks, Engr. Adebayo Adenekan, pointed out that the Society is registered with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and focuses on providing consultancy services to businesses in Nigeria for the implementation of Quality and Environmental Management Systems. He spoke of the Society’s objectives, which include promoting excellence in the auditing, implementation, and certification of Management Systems Standards. Another key goal of the Society is to create a platform for professionals to collaborate and advance the adoption of management systems standards in Nigeria.
Engr. Adenekan praised Covenant University for its exceptional standards, noting that the institution’s commitment to quality and operational excellence was a key factor in the Society's decision to engage with the University. He expressed his admiration for the students, who he described as, “well-behaved, well-dressed, and embodying the comportment of kings and queens, as they are aptly addressed by the University’s management.”
As a symbol of appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor's exemplary leadership, Engr. Adenekan presented Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, with a prestigious award on behalf of the Society. The award recognized the Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering dedication to supporting students' interest in Management Systems and his significant contributions to inspiring future leaders in Nigeria.
Also present at the meeting was Mrs. Shola Coker, Dean of Student Affairs, who participated in the discussions and supported the event’s objectives.
This collaboration between Covenant University and the Society of Management Systems Practitioners of Nigeria is poised to further elevate the standards of management practices in Nigeria and contribute to the country’s ongoing commitment to quality excellence.