Deans and Directors of various faculties and directorates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have been charged to lead with integrity, vision and courage as this will enable them exceed expectations.
‘’Leadership is not about titles, but about impact. The true measure of our work is not only in what we achieve individually but in how we empower others to achieve more,’’ the Vice-Chancellor said.
He was speaking during the opening ceremony of a 3-day training workshop, held between August 20-22, 2025 in Abuja for the deans and directors of the university, which carried the theme: “Developing Effective Leaders.”
The workshop was jointly organised by the Balanced Scorecard West Africa (BSWA) and NOUN Staff Training and Development (ST&D) for deans of faculties and directors of various directorates who play critical role in shaping the direction, quality and impact of the institution.
According to the VC, the training is not just another session, but a platform for reflection, renewal, and reimagining “how we lead our students, faculties, and the broader community are looking to us for guidance. Let us not only meet those expectations but exceed them.’’
Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, reminded them that they are more than administrators, but visionaries, mentors and decision makers as the way they lead does not only influence policies and processes but also sets the tone for the students, faculty and staff.
The VC stated that ‘’Your leadership ripples outward shaping the culture of excellence, innovation and accountability within your schools and department.
‘’In todays rapidly changing educational landscape, we are challenged to think differently, the world is demanding graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, ethical, and globally minded. This requires us to be bold in our planning, collaborative in our approach, and innovative in our solutions.
‘’Training such as this, provides us with the tools to sharpen our leadership, as well as pause and pose important questions: are we aligning our decisions with the larger mission and vision of our institution? Are we cultivating a culture that values inclusivity, creativity and continuous improvement? Are we preparing the next generation not just for jobs but for leadership in society? among others’’.
He further urged the participants to embrace the training with an open mind, share their experiences and learn from one another. “Together, we can strengthen our leadership capacity and ensure that our institution remains a place of excellence an inspiration.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, implored the participants to be much involved in the training as this will enhance their capacity in their various fields of responsibility.
The registrar represented by the Director, Human Resources, Dr. Muyiwa Akintola, also urged the deans and directors to make their discussion and participation meaningful.
He thanked the management for coming up with this kind of capacity training and appreciated the deans and directors for their response to the training despite their tight schedules.
In his remarks, the representative of the training consultant, Mr. Kayode Sufianu, said the training would emphasise the importance of individual sklills for effective leadership as well as how assessing and using needed capabilities can improve leadership.
Safianu urged the participants to be fully involved as the training was meant be interactive with class discussion and group exercise,
As part of the course/learning objectives, Sufianu urged them to understand the learning and schedule, understand the basis for the course and set expectations.
In her vote of thanks, the Director, ST&D, Mrs. Eunice Riki, expressed her profound gratitude to the management for approving and supporting the hosting of the training programme.
According to her, this training was “another demonstration of management’s unwavering commitment to capacity building, leadership development, and the continuous strengthening of our great institution.
“I also extend my deep appreciation to our participants — the Deans and Directors, for honouring this invitation and for making time, despite your busy schedules, to be here. Your presence and willingness to engage in this programme underscores the importance you attach to professional growth and institutional development.”
Riki equally thanked the facilitators and the organising team who have worked tirelessly to put the programme together.
Some of the topics delved on during the sessions include: effective coaching and mentoring in the workplace, understanding coaching and mentoring, performance measurements and monitoring, strategic communication, role of data in decision-making, practical applications in the workplace and facilitating skills acquisition, among others.
The organisers also took the participants through hands on exercise and class discussion in some of the sessions.
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