Elizade University Drives Academic Excellence and Governance at 2026 Leadership Retreat

Elizade University has held its 2026 Leadership Retreat for Academic and Senior Non-Teaching Staff, with a renewed commitment to strengthening institutional governance, accountability and credibility in line with global best practices in higher education administration.

The retreat, described as a critical and strategic engagement, provided a comprehensive platform for reflection, dialogue and shared understanding of governance structures, leadership responsibilities and institutional best practices required to sustain and advance the University’s vision as a world-class institution.

The programme also examined emerging challenges confronting university administration and explored innovative pathways for enhancing institutional effectiveness, integrity and sustainability.

Delivering the keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Philip Oguntunde, presented an overview of university governance in Nigeria and the imperative of institutional credibility.

Professor Oguntunde maintained that the university system must continue to remain a bastion of hope and a factory for all-round development, stressing that higher institutions have a critical responsibility in shaping national growth and societal transformation.

He further underscored the importance of university autonomy and academic freedom, describing them as essential pillars for innovation, intellectual advancement and sustainable institutional development.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Omololu Adegbenro, delivered a paper titled “Work Ethics and Reward in the University System,” where he emphasized the strong relationship between ethical conduct and effective reward systems in driving institutional productivity and excellence.

According to him, work ethics provide the moral and professional framework that guides behaviour within the university environment, while reward systems serve as critical motivators for sustaining high standards in teaching, research and service delivery.

Also speaking at the retreat, the University Bursar, Mr Olusegun Ajeigbe, presented a paper on “The University System and Financial Sustainability: A Case Study of Elizade University and its Workforce.”

He stressed the need for universities to think outside the box in resource management and to creatively explore alternative pathways for financial sustainability in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

Similarly, the University Librarian, Dr Ayooluwa Aregbesola, spoke on “University Rankings and the Role of Quality Publications,” emphasizing the importance of quality research output and collaboration in solving societal problems.

Dr Aregbesola noted that impactful publications, research visibility and strategic collaborations remain vital components in improving university rankings and strengthening institutional reputation globally.

Participants at the retreat described the programme as timely and insightful, noting that it deepened their understanding of university governance, leadership accountability and the collective responsibilities required to sustain excellence within the institution.

The retreat reaffirmed Elizade University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community service, while strengthening the institutional culture necessary for maintaining its status as a forward-looking and globally competitive university.