UNILAG SPGS Dean Osinubi tasks staff on mandate clarity, student experience
The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Abraham Osinubi, has emphasised the need for staff to fully understand the mandate of the school and their role in shaping students’ experience,
- By Chinyere Okoroafor
The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Abraham Osinubi, has emphasised the need for staff to fully understand the mandate of the school and their role in shaping students’ experience, warning that any gap in this knowledge could weaken service delivery.
Osinubi spoke during a one-day staff retreat organised by the School of Postgraduate Studies at University of Lagos, where he expressed concern that some junior staff were unable to clearly articulate the functions of the postgraduate school.
He described the development as a signal for deeper internal engagement, stressing that all personnel, irrespective of rank, remain critical stakeholders in delivering a meaningful and impactful student experience.
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The retreat, themed “Student Experience: The Present and Future of Universities,” provided a platform for reflection, learning and forward-looking discussions aimed at improving service delivery and aligning operations with global best practices in postgraduate education.
Osinubi noted that beyond academic excellence, universities must prioritise the overall experience of students, adding that this is essential to strengthening institutional reputation and global relevance.
He emphasised that a clear understanding of the school’s mission across all levels of staff would translate into better service, improved communication, and a more supportive learning environment.
Osinubi reiterated that students remain central to the existence of the institution, stressing that delivering a fulfilling academic journey is not optional but essential.
Setting the tone for the sessions, the Deputy Registrar/Administrative Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adedunye, delivered a presentation titled “From Insight to Impact: Reflections on the Last Retreat,” where he urged participants to move beyond ideas to measurable outcomes.
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The interactive session encouraged honest appraisal of past efforts and renewed focus on areas requiring improvement.
A key highlight of the retreat was a session by the Group CEO of SEAL Group, Tonya Lawani, who spoke on “Enhancing Student Experience Through Positive Workplace Attitudes: Building a Culture of Excellence in SPGS Services.” Drawing from her dual perspective as a professional and a current postgraduate student, she described her experience at the university as largely positive, attributing it to supportive staff, improved research systems, and the school’s transition to digitalised processes.
She noted that clear communication channels, regular updates, and a culture of professionalism have significantly enhanced student satisfaction, adding that although she had encountered discouraging opinions before enrolment, her personal experience had been shaped positively by the institution’s service culture.
Further aligning discussions with the institution’s broader vision, the Sub-Dean, Dr. Aliu Soyingbe, examined the “Future-Ready Agenda” of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola.
He outlined expectations for SPGS, emphasising adaptability, innovation, and responsiveness in postgraduate administration.
In another session, Dr. Viola Akhigbe spoke on “Building a Future-Ready SPGS: Strategic Repositioning for Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainable Growth,” challenging participants to rethink the school’s role beyond academics to include innovation, collaboration, and long-term institutional impact.
The retreat also featured group activities and open discussions where staff assessed current operations and identified gaps across units, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in achieving institutional goals.
The SPGS retreat, now in its third edition since its introduction in 2024, reflects the commitment of the dean and his team to strengthening service culture, improving productivity, and building a postgraduate system that meets the needs of modern learners.
