The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) has called for enhanced professional engagement, continuous capacity development and strict adherence to ethical standards among university administrators to strengthen institutional governance and efficiency in the Nigerian university system.
The call was made during a one-day training programme for administrative staff of the Registry Department and the inauguration of the ANUPA Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) Chapter, held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the University’s Library Conference Hall, Edo State.
The event marked a significant milestone in the association’s commitment to strengthening university administration, promoting professional standards and advancing institutional governance across the Nigerian university system.
Delivering his lecture, the Special Guest Lecturer and National President of ANUPA, Dr. Victor Mkuma Bem, described the inauguration as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represented an important step towards deepening professionalism, institutionalising capacity development and improving administrative efficiency in Nigerian universities.
Dr. Bem explained that ANUPA serves as the recognised training and capacity-building arm of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU), while pursuing its vision of becoming a chartered professional institute with statutory responsibility for regulating the training, ethics and practice of university professional administration in Nigeria.
He emphasised that university administrators play a pivotal role in translating institutional policies into tangible results, stressing that the effectiveness of the university system depends not only on academic excellence but also on competent, ethical and professionally grounded administrative personnel.
Highlighting the association’s activities, Dr. Bem identified four major areas of focus: capacity building and professional training; professional standards, ethics and regulation; knowledge production and policy engagement; and mentorship, networking and institutional memory.
“Through national and zonal workshops, specialised training programmes, annual general meetings and conferences, ANUPA seeks to equip university administrators with the requisite knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the evolving demands of university administration.
“Its specialised training areas include Council affairs, Registry operations, examinations and records management, policy implementation and digital administration,” he said.
The ANUPA President added that the association was committed to promoting ethical conduct, accountability, discipline and standardised professional competencies, ensuring that university administration is recognised not merely as a support service but as a distinct profession with defined standards and societal value.
He further explained that ANUPA encourages research, documentation and engagement with relevant regulatory institutions, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and Federal and State Ministries of Education.
“These efforts are aimed at strengthening university governance, institutional autonomy and administrative efficiency,” he stated.
A major highlight of his presentation was the need for active participation and commitment by members, noting that professionalism thrives where practitioners are actively engaged.
According to him, an association cannot achieve its objectives merely through its structure or existence; its success depends largely on the dedication, commitment and contributions of its members.
He therefore urged university administrators to participate actively in training programmes and conferences, embrace lifelong learning, establish mentorship relationships and contribute meaningfully to branch and national activities.
Dr. Bem noted that sustained engagement with ANUPA would help Igbinedion University strengthen its administrative systems, minimise avoidable procedural errors, improve regulatory compliance and establish a stronger culture of professionalism.
Outlining expectations for the newly inaugurated chapter, he said it should serve as a centre for continuous professional learning, collaborate with the Office of the Registrar and University Management, promote mentorship and ethical conduct, and align its activities with ANUPA’s national vision and training calendar.
He also charged the chapter to project the association as a professional authority in university administration rather than merely an ordinary professional association.
He emphasised that sustained participation, regular professional development, knowledge sharing, adherence to ethical standards and stronger institutional collaboration would be essential to achieving these objectives.
“The university administration community must also encourage young and upcoming administrators to benefit from mentorship opportunities and the wealth of experience available within the profession,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, described the inauguration of the ANUPA chapter as a significant step towards strengthening professionalism, institutional efficiency and excellence in university administration.
He emphasised that effective university administration remains critical to achieving institutional objectives, noting that academic excellence must be complemented by competent, committed and professionally trained administrative personnel.
Prof. Ezemonye urged members to embrace continuous learning, ethical conduct, innovation and collaboration, stressing that professional development was essential to meeting the changing demands of the university system.
“The strength of any university is not measured solely by its academic achievements but also by the efficiency, professionalism and dedication of its administrative workforce,” he said.
He charged the newly inaugurated chapter to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity development and improved service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Registrar of Igbinedion University, Okada, Ahola Orgeh, said the event was particularly significant as it brought together two important objectives: the continuous professional development of the university’s administrative staff and the formal establishment of a professional platform to promote unity, excellence and the advancement of university administration at IUO.
The inauguration, he noted, provided an opportunity for professional administrators in the university to move beyond ordinary membership and embrace active participation in building a stronger professional community.
Members were consequently encouraged to leverage ANUPA’s training opportunities, contribute to research and policy discussions, share administrative best practices, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
The programme culminated in the inauguration and swearing-in of the chapter’s executive members, alongside the presentation of certificates by the ANUPA National President and Registrar.
With the inauguration of the Igbinedion University Chapter, expectations are high that it will emerge as a model of professional engagement, continuous learning and administrative excellence, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of university administration within the institution and the wider Nigerian university system.
