Northwest University Introduces Monthly Training to Strengthen Governance and Service Delivery

Northwest University Sokoto has launched a monthly capacity-building programme for academic and administrative staff to improve institutional governance, professionalism, teamwork, and service delivery.

The one-day workshop, held on Wednesday under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mukhtar Bunza, brought together deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty officers, examination officers, and senior registry staff to promote professionalism, collaboration, and effective university administration.

Delivering the keynote address, former Vice-Chancellor and renowned university administrator, Prof. Aminu Mikailu, stressed that the success of any university depends on teamwork, strategic planning, and continuous professional development.

According to him, academic and administrative staff must work together to achieve the institution's goals.

"A university grows when every unit understands its responsibilities and works towards a common institutional goal. Academic staff and administrative personnel are partners in progress. One cannot function effectively without the support of the other," he said.

Prof. Mikailu noted that modern infrastructure alone cannot guarantee institutional excellence, emphasizing that committed and competent personnel remain the greatest assets of any university.

"Buildings alone do not make a university great. It is the quality, commitment and competence of its personnel that determine whether an institution will attain national and international recognition. Continuous staff development is therefore not a luxury but a necessity."

He further explained the differences between public and private universities, stating that while private institutions enjoy greater administrative flexibility and faster decision-making, public universities operate under statutory procedures involving governing councils, supervising ministries, and, in some cases, the National Assembly.

Mikailu also disclosed that he accepted the invitation to mentor staff of Northwest University as his personal contribution to the educational vision of the institution's Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, after previously declining an offer to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University due to health concerns.

Speaking during the workshop, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mukhtar Bunza announced that the training would become a monthly exercise aimed at equipping senior officers with the knowledge and skills required for effective leadership and service delivery.

"We cannot continue to do things the old way and expect different results. We must constantly update our knowledge, improve our administrative processes and strengthen collaboration among all units if we are to achieve our vision of becoming a centre of academic excellence."

The Vice-Chancellor also commended Senator Wamakko for his continued support, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment has accelerated the university's growth and development.

In his vote of thanks, the Registrar, Umar Garba Garunbabba, appreciated the Founder for approving the monthly training initiative and praised the Vice-Chancellor for its swift implementation.

He noted that the programme would particularly benefit registry staff and other personnel who are relatively new to the university system, adding that the initiative would contribute significantly to improving professionalism and administrative efficiency across the institution.

The monthly capacity-building programme is expected to strengthen staff competence, improve institutional governance, and support Northwest University's drive towards becoming a leading centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.