TASFUED VC Advances STARWIN Agenda with Capacity-Building Training for Non-Teaching Staff

The Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Prof. Samuel Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, has advanced the implementation of his STARWIN Agenda with the commencement of a comprehensive capacity-building programme for staff of the University's Media and Corporate Affairs Directorate and other officers performing protocol and communication-related functions.

The workshop, organised by the Pathways Institute for Mobility Alternative (PIMA) at the Babcock University Guest House Ilisan Remo, was designed to equip participants with contemporary knowledge and practical skills in university protocol administration, event management, strategic communication, media relations, public affairs, public relations, institutional branding, digital communication and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education administration.

Facilitating sessions on University Protocol Administration, Event Management, Professional Ethics, Customer Relations and Front Desk Excellence, Dr Chibuzor Onyema emphasised the imperative of continuous professional development, noting that professionalism, integrity, emotional intelligence and effective communication are essential to quality service delivery and institutional excellence. He reminded participants that every member of staff serves as an ambassador of the University whose conduct and performance shape public perception of the institution.

Speaking on Strategic Communication in Higher Education as well as Media Relations, Public Affairs and Public Relations, communication strategist, Mr Chigozi Eti, underscored the pivotal role of strategic communication in driving effective public relations campaigns, institutional branding and global visibility. He stressed that higher education institutions must adopt deliberate communication strategies to strengthen stakeholder engagement, build public trust and enhance their competitive advantage.

Mr Eti also urged participants to cultivate cordial interpersonal relationships with students, describing them as the University's primary publics. He noted that every member of the University community is a brand ambassador whose conduct and interactions contribute to the institution's image and reputation. "All members of the University community are brand ambassadors of TASFUED and should live up to expectations," he said.

Speaking on Institutional Branding and Representation, Digital Communication and Social Media Management, as well as Artificial Intelligence for Protocol and Communication Officers, Dr Best Green explained that a university's reputation extends beyond its logo and visual identity to encompass public perception and the quality of experiences it offers stakeholders. He encouraged participants to leverage student content creators as authentic ambassadors to project the University's achievements and strengthen its digital presence.

On the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, Dr Green described AI as a transformative tool capable of enhancing communication, protocol administration, branding, event management, report writing and other administrative processes. While acknowledging the rapid evolution of AI technologies, he maintained that creativity, ethical judgement and human oversight would remain indispensable in maximising the benefits of the technology.

Earlier, the facilitators collectively underscored the importance of effective communication, active listening and interpersonal competence, reminding participants that every interaction with students, parents, visitors and other stakeholders contributes to the University's image and institutional reputation.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Registrar, Media and Corporate Relations, Mr Onawoga, urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve service delivery, strengthen institutional communication and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Vice-Chancellor's vision of positioning TASFUED as a globally competitive university distinguished by professionalism, innovation and excellence.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to the participants.