VC Advocates Professional Capacity Building For University Administrators As FUTMinna Hosts ANUPA 2026 AGM, National Conference

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMinna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, has called for sustained investment in the professional development of university administrators to enhance governance, efficiency and service delivery in Nigerian universities.

Prof. Kuta made the call on Monday, July 20, 2026, while receiving the National Executive of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, ANUPA, alongside officials of the FUTMinna Chapter, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Senate Building, Main Campus.

He stressed the importance of inclusive governance and stronger collaboration among university units, particularly the Registry, noting that professional administrators possess the expertise and institutional knowledge needed for effective administration.

The Vice-Chancellor advocated that capacity-building programmes for university administrators should be driven by professionals with a sound understanding of the university system, citing ANUPA as a key platform for such training.

Prof. Kuta also urged universities to embrace digital transformation to remain globally competitive, despite challenges such as inadequate staff development, poor working environments and limited access to modern office facilities.

He further expressed concern over the shortage of experienced lower-cadre administrators and called on ANUPA to strengthen mentorship programmes to prepare younger administrators for leadership roles. He identified records management, minute writing, memo preparation and other core administrative skills as critical areas for training.

The Vice-Chancellor commended ANUPA for selecting FUTMinna to host its 2026 Annual General Meeting, AGM, National Conference and Northern Zone Workshop, assuring the association of the University's support for a successful event.

Earlier, the National President of ANUPA, Dr. Victor Bem, described the association as the leading professional body dedicated to the training and development of university administrators in Nigeria.

He explained that ANUPA complements the efforts of university managements through regular training programmes, conferences and workshops designed to improve the knowledge and skills of Registry personnel and other administrators.

Dr. Bem said the visit was to inform the Vice-Chancellor of the association's activities and conclude arrangements for the 2026 AGM, National Conference and North Zone Workshop to be hosted by FUTMinna.

He added that ANUPA recently adopted a zonal conference system to enable the association to hold its national conferences across the six geopolitical zones, a move aimed at making professional development programmes more accessible amid prevailing economic and security challenges.