LASU Trains Professional Administrators on Governance, Compliance, Institutional Integrity

Professional administrators at Lagos State University (LASU), under the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), LASU Chapter, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance, compliance, and professional excellence through a one-day in-house training.

The training, themed "Professional Administrators: Driving Governance and Compliance," was held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre on the University's main campus in Ojo, Lagos.

Declaring the programme open, the Registrar of the University, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU, described professional administrators as the drivers and custodians of university governance, stressing that their effectiveness depends on a sound understanding of institutional laws, statutes, and regulations.

He urged administrators to familiarize themselves with the University's Conditions of Service, noting that strict adherence to established rules is essential for effective administration. According to him, administrators must be able to interpret university regulations accurately, clarify areas of uncertainty where necessary, and continually develop themselves to ensure quality service delivery.

Mr. FANU added that universities thrive when professional administrators embrace continuous learning, uphold professionalism, and remain committed to institutional best practices.

The training featured two technical presentations. The first, titled "The Gatekeeper of Trust: Accuracy, Accountability and the Human Side of Records in a Digital Age," was delivered by the Senior Deputy Registrar and Head of the Examinations and Records Division, Mrs. Abiodun Titilayo MERUWOMA.

She described professional administrators as custodians of institutional trust, emphasizing that the credibility of any university depends on the integrity of its records. While acknowledging the role of technology in improving records management, she maintained that digital systems cannot replace integrity, diligence, and ethical responsibility.

Mrs. MERUWOMA warned that even minor errors in institutional records could lead to litigation, loss of accreditation, reputational damage, and reduced public confidence. She noted that inaccurate transcripts, delayed pension files, or incorrect staff records could have significant consequences for individuals and the institution.

She encouraged administrators to prioritize accuracy, maintain confidentiality, secure digital records, preserve audit trails, back up data regularly, collaborate across departments, and continuously update their knowledge, stressing that technology cannot replace character.

The second presentation, titled "Professional Administrators as Drivers of University Laws and Regulations," was delivered by the Deputy Registrar, Administrative and Technical Unit (Non-Academic Staff Division), Mr. Adeyemi Sulaimon DADA.

He highlighted the central role of professional administrators in ensuring compliance with university laws, regulations, and policies, describing them as custodians of institutional governance and due process.

According to Mr. DADA, while the Vice-Chancellor provides strategic leadership, professional administrators translate policies and statutory provisions into effective administrative processes that keep the University operating efficiently and within the law. He noted that they oversee key responsibilities including admissions, examinations, academic records, statutory documentation, institutional compliance, and secretarial duties for governing bodies such as the Governing Council and Senate.

He stated that professional administrators play a critical role in policy interpretation, compliance monitoring, staff sensitization, and adherence to due process, helping to protect universities from procedural lapses, litigation, and regulatory sanctions while creating an environment that supports teaching, learning, and research.

The training concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarification on various administrative and compliance issues.

The event also featured the induction of new members into the Association by the Chairman of ANUPA, LASU Chapter, Mr. Samuel OTESANYA, while the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Michael TADOPEDE, delivered the vote of thanks.