Federal University Lokoja Trains Senate Affairs Staff on University Administration, Academic Governance

Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has organised a capacity-building workshop for staff of its Senate Affairs Division to enhance their understanding of university administration, Senate responsibilities and the academic traditions that govern the university system.

The workshop, themed "The Valued Traditions of University Administration in the 21st Century: X-raying the Senate as the Hub of University Academic Policies and Ceremonies," was held at the Senate Conference Room of the university's Old Administrative Building.

Addressing participants, the Registrar, Rebecca Okojie, encouraged staff to embrace continuous learning and take advantage of capacity-building opportunities.

She said regular training improves professional competence, strengthens communication and public speaking skills, and prepares staff for greater responsibilities. She also urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired to improve service delivery across the university.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Shamaki Nuhu Kaje, explained that universities are established to fulfil three core mandates: teaching, research and community service.

According to him, research generates new knowledge, teaching promotes learning, while community service applies knowledge to addressing societal challenges.

He also examined the ownership structure of universities in Nigeria, comprising federal, state and private institutions, and distinguished conventional universities from specialised institutions established for technology, agriculture, medical sciences, maritime studies, transportation, military education and policing.

Speaking on university governance, Kaje outlined the responsibilities of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, Senate and the Registrar.

He explained that the Chancellor confers degrees during convocation ceremonies, while the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council serve as the university's approving authority. He added that, in line with the Registrar's Act 2015, the Registrar serves as Secretary to the Senate, Governing Council and Congregation.

Kaje further described the Senate as the university's highest academic decision-making body, noting that it is responsible for formulating academic policies, regulating academic programmes and overseeing academic ceremonies and standards within the institution.