By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The second day of the 2025 ANUPA Training Workshop for Junior University Professional Administrators, held on Friday, 22nd August 2025, featured two impactful sessions focused on boosting administrative efficiency through digitization and effective documentation practices.
The first session was delivered by Mr. Ahola Orgeh, Registrar of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, who spoke extensively on the theme: “Embracing Technology for Enhanced Administrative Efficiency.” Mr. Orgeh emphasized the pressing need for university administrators to adopt digital tools to improve workflow, enhance record-keeping, and ensure transparency.
He noted that university records, from student admissions to graduation, have traditionally been maintained on paper, making them vulnerable to loss, damage, or manipulation. “We are custodians of university records,” he said. “But over time, paper records fade, get lost, or are tampered with. It’s time to move to a digital era where records are secure, easily retrievable, and safe from both environmental hazards and human interference.”
Orgeh highlighted the inefficiencies of manual processes such as memo approvals, which often require physical movement from desk to desk. With digitization, he noted, such tasks can be completed within a day, reducing bureaucracy and improving productivity. “Technology makes work less stressful, more efficient, and more transparent,” he added, urging administrators to invest in self-development and digital training even if institutional support is limited.
The second session was handled by Alhaji Garba Kabiru Aminu, Registrar of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, who addressed the theme: “Rudiments and Techniques in Writing Minutes, Reports, Internal Memos, Circulars, and Decision Extracts.”
Alhaji Aminu stressed the importance of mastering the art of writing as a key component of university administration. He encouraged young administrators to be humble, build good working relationships with superiors, and remain committed to learning. “Administrators are the image-makers of the university,” he stated. “A well-written memo or report builds the university’s reputation.”
Sharing his personal journey, Aminu recalled how his early attempts at writing were dismissed, but with dedication, he grew to become a trainer himself. He provided participants with a structured guide to writing and urged them to believe in their capacity to grow and contribute meaningfully to the university system.
The workshop, which began on August 20th and runs through August 23rd, 2025, is hosted by Veritas University, Abuja, and organized by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA). It has attracted commendations from participants who praised the association’s consistent commitment to capacity-building for university administrators.
The training concludes with a cocktail dinner, the presentation of certificates, and a group photograph session. The event is anchored by Raph-Nwachukwu Onyinye, National PRO of ANUPA and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, with encomiums showered on her for her excellent performance and the warm reception accorded to participants. Meanwhile, participants’ feedback and recommendations were noted by the National Executive Council.
As the curtain draws on this year’s workshop, one clear takeaway remains: the future of effective university administration lies in embracing digital transformation and building core communication competencies. Participants are expected to return to their respective institutions as better-equipped change agents, ready to drive administrative excellence in Nigeria’s higher education system.