By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) is set to revolutionize university administration in Nigeria, with a historic bill on the verge of becoming law and a commitment to driving excellence in the sector. The 2025 ANUPA Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which kicked off on Tuesday and runs through Friday, is a critical gathering that reflects the association’s ongoing mission to professionalize university administration and ensure that Nigeria’s higher education institutions are equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Onyinye Ralph Nwachukwu, a fellow of Nigeria Public Relations and the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ANUPA, underscored the importance of the event, which brings together key figures in university administration from across the country. “Today, we are here to reflect on our achievements, to learn, and to grow. This conference is a platform for university administrators to come together, share knowledge, and renew our commitment to the values of excellence and professionalism,” Nwachukwu said.

The conference began on Tuesday with the National Council Meeting, which included university branch chairpersons and secretaries, as well as members of the National Executive Council. The AGM on Friday will mark the conclusion of the conference, following two days of intense deliberations and training sessions focused on enhancing the skills and competencies of university administrators.

Nwachukwu also highlighted the significance of the ANUPA Chattered Institute of Association of Nigerian Professional Administrators Bill, a key piece of legislation that is at the heart of the conference’s discussions. “We are here to consider the various topics outlined in this year’s conference theme: ‘Driving Excellence.’ This bill, which is championed by Hon. Pascal Agbodike, will formally recognize university administrators as essential professionals within the Nigerian higher education system,” Onyinye explained.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Victor Mkuma Bem, the National President of ANUPA, took the stage to open the conference, offering a powerful tribute to the bill’s sponsor, Hon. Pascal Agbodike. Agbodike, a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, has played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of a recognized professional body for university administrators. “We stand here today encouraged by Hon. Agbodike’s vision, courage, and commitment to professionalizing university administration in Nigeria,” Dr. Bem said, lauding Agbodike’s dedication to the cause.

The ANUPA Chattered Bill aims to legally establish the association, setting the stage for Nigerian university administrators to be formally recognized for their critical role in the management and governance of universities. Once passed, the bill will elevate the status of professional administrators, ensuring that their contributions to Nigerian higher education are both acknowledged and supported.

The theme of the 2025 ANUPA conference, “Driving Excellence in University Administration: Navigating the Future with Resilience and Innovation,” is a timely and urgent call to action, according to Dr. Bem. “This year’s theme speaks directly to the challenges facing Nigerian universities, including technological disruptions, shifting governance demands, and the ever-evolving global knowledge economy,” he noted. “In a rapidly changing world, we must continue to reinvent ourselves, sharpen our administrative competencies, and demonstrate leadership that is both resilient and transformative.”

Dr. Bem further emphasized that the sub-themes of the conference would focus on critical areas necessary for the continued growth and development of university administration in Nigeria. These include leadership, adaptive risk management, artificial intelligence-driven innovation, quality assurance, and diversity in university administrative policies. “The insights and knowledge shared here will provide the contemporary tools needed to strengthen administrative excellence across Nigerian universities,” he added.

The conference will also address issues such as reinventing leadership for effective service delivery, establishing robust compliance mechanisms, and promoting equity and inclusion within university administration. “These are not just academic discussions; they are essential strategies that will shape the future of Nigerian universities,” Dr. Bem concluded.

As part of the event, ANUPA recognized the contributions of several key figures in the advancement of university administration in Nigeria. Hon. Pascal Agbodike was honored for his sponsorship of the ANUPA Chattered Bill, while Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), received a special plaque of appreciation for his support in advancing administrative professionalism in Nigerian universities.

Additionally, the Chairman of AURA (Association of University Rectors) and ARNU (Association of Rectors of Nigerian Universities) was conferred with the ANUPA Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to university administration and unwavering support for the association.

In closing the opening ceremony, Dr. Bem formally declared the 2025 ANUPA AGM and conference open, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a transformative few days for the future of Nigerian higher education.

The discussions and decisions made during the 2025 ANUPA conference are set to have a lasting impact on the future of Nigerian universities. With the passage of the ANUPA Chattered Bill on the horizon and a renewed commitment to administrative excellence, the conference serves as a clear indication that the future of university administration in Nigeria is headed in a positive and progressive direction.

As the conference progresses through the week, attendees are hopeful that the ideas exchanged and the strategies proposed will lead to real change, ultimately fostering stronger, more efficient, and more inclusive universities that can compete on the global stage.