UI VC Urges Staff to Embrace Digital Workplace as a Tool for Professional Growth

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has advised secretarial staff of the institution to view the digital workplace not as a threat to their relevance, but as a tool for enhancing professional dignity and effectiveness.

He gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the annual training programme of the Chartered Institute of Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria (CIPSSON), UI Branch, in an address delivered on his behalf by the Director of Special Duties in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Professor Olumuyiwa Omobowale.

Professor Adebowale stated that mastery of digital tools and virtual coordination strengthens the relevance of secretarial professionals in modern work environments. According to him, competence in information management and strategic relationship building positions secretaries as indispensable contributors and emerging leaders within institutional systems.

He urged participants to approach the training with openness and commitment to upskilling and reskilling, noting that the goal is to produce digital-ready professionals aligned with global workplace demands.

The Registrar of the University, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, JP, fspsp, FNIM, FCIML, MANUPA, MAUA, emphasized the value of professional membership, describing it as a critical asset for career development and workplace excellence.

The training programme, themed “Enhancing Professional Excellence in the Digital Workplace: Virtual Coordination, Information Management, and Strategic Workplace Relationships,” focused on building capacity for modern office operations.

Delivering the keynote address, Prince Isaiah O.B. Lawal, former Head of Business Education at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, stressed that professional success in academic and administrative environments requires technical competence, emotional intelligence, and disciplined professionalism.

He noted that the increasing adoption of digital tools and remote systems has made adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning essential for career growth. He added that professional excellence is an ongoing process requiring constant improvement and strategic engagement.

Prince Lawal further recommended investment in digital skills, structured data management systems, strengthened virtual coordination, and flexible workplace policies to improve efficiency and accountability.

He concluded that the digital workplace is not merely about technology, but about improving the interaction between people, processes, and information.

The President of CIPSSON, UI Branch, Dr. Virginia O. Onche, explained that the training was designed to benefit all categories of workplace professionals, not only secretarial staff, but also administrators, executive officers, and educators.

The programme featured two additional presentations:
• Keys to Managing, Coordinating, and Enhancing Virtual Meetings in the Digital Era by Mr. Paul Adejumo
• Information Management and Technical Support Skills for the Modern Office by Mr. B. A. Waheed

The event concluded with a post-training dinner where several dignitaries were honoured for their mentorship and support of CIPSSON. Honourees included Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, FSSAN, C.Psych (represented by Professor B.O. Olugasa), Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, Mr. A.E. Odedele, Mrs. Adejoke O. Akinpelu, and Chief Jamiu A. Ekungba.