FUNAAB VC Urges University Administrators to Embrace Strategic Leadership and Innovation

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has urged university administrators to embrace strategic leadership, innovation and professionalism to strengthen institutional growth, improve administrative efficiency and promote organisational excellence.

Professor Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olusegun Idowu, gave the charge on October 20, 2026, during the 2026 Day Celebration of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), FUNAAB Chapter, held at the University’s Red Chamber.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is the Grand Patron of ANUPA FUNAAB, reaffirmed the importance of professional administrators in maintaining institutional stability, strengthening leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of university policies.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of ANUPA-FUNAAB Chapter, Mr. Adewale Ojoye, encouraged university administrators to move beyond routine clerical duties and become active contributors to institutional planning and decision-making.

He stressed the need for technological innovation, continuous professional development and strict adherence to ethical standards to remain relevant in the evolving university system.

Delivering a lecture titled “Beyond the Desk: Reimagining the Administrator as a Strategic Partner in Institutional Leadership,” Mr. Adebayo Ogundinmu, a former Registrar of DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, called for a fundamental shift in university administration from predominantly clerical functions to strategic partnerships that support institutional leadership and development.

Mr. Ogundinmu noted that modern university administrators must embrace advanced technology, critical thinking and data-driven decision-making while developing a thorough understanding of their institutions’ vision and mission.

He explained that these competencies would enable administrators to anticipate challenges, contribute meaningfully to policy implementation and support the achievement of institutional objectives.

He also emphasised the importance of proactive engagement, professional competence and innovation in helping administrators respond effectively to emerging challenges and promote sustainable institutional development.

Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of an award to the guest lecturer, Mr. Adebayo Ogundinmu; Leadership Awards to Mr. Moses Ayanda and Mrs. Oluwakemi Banuso; and Meritorious Service Awards to Mrs. Mopelola Olokode, Mr. Tijani Shehu and Mr. Olufemi Babatunde.

The celebration highlighted the evolving role of university administrators as strategic partners in institutional leadership, with professionalism, innovation, ethical conduct and continuous learning identified as essential pillars of effective university governance and sustainable institutional growth.