The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has urged university administrators to embrace strategic leadership, innovation and professionalism to enhance administrative efficiency, strengthen institutional growth and promote organisational excellence.
Prof. Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, gave the charge on October 20th, 2026, during the 2026 Day Celebration of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), FUNAAB Chapter, held at the University’s Red Chamber.
The Vice-Chancellor, who is the Grand Patron of ANUPA FUNAAB, reaffirmed the vital role of professional administrators in promoting institutional stability, strengthening leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of university policies.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of ANUPA, FUNAAB Chapter, Mr. Adewale Ojoye, urged university administrators to move beyond routine clerical responsibilities and become active contributors to institutional planning and decision-making.
He stressed the importance of technological innovation, continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards, noting that these were essential for administrators to remain relevant in the evolving university system.
Delivering a lecture titled “Beyond the Desk: Reimagining the Administrator as a Strategic Partner in Institutional Leadership,” a former Registrar of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Mr. Adebayo Ogundinmu, called for a fundamental shift in university administration from routine clerical duties to strategic partnership in institutional leadership and development.
Mr. Ogundinmu explained that contemporary university administrators must embrace advanced technology, critical thinking and data-driven decision-making while developing a thorough understanding of their institutions’ vision and mission.
According to him, these competencies would enable administrators to anticipate challenges, contribute meaningfully to policy implementation and support the achievement of institutional objectives.
He further emphasised the need for proactive engagement, professional competence and innovation to help administrators respond effectively to emerging challenges and contribute to sustainable institutional development.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of an award to the guest lecturer, Mr. Adebayo Ogundinmu; Leadership Awards to Mr. Moses Ayanda and Mrs. Oluwakemi Banuso and Meritorious Service Awards to Mrs. Mopelola Olokode, Mr. Tijani Shehu and Mr. Olufemi Babatunde.
The celebration highlighted the evolving role of university administrators as strategic partners in institutional leadership with emphasis on professionalism, innovation, ethical conduct and continuous learning as essential pillars of effective university governance and sustainable institutional growth.
