The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) has called for greater professionalism in university administration to strengthen institutional governance and efficiency in Nigeria's university system. This call was made during a one-day training programme and the inauguration of the ANUPA Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) Chapter, held on October 28, 2026, at the University's Library Conference Hall, Edo State. The event marked a significant milestone in ANUPA's commitment to strengthening university administration and promoting professional standards.
Delivering his lecture, ANUPA's National President, Dr. Victor Mkuma Bem, described the inauguration as an important step towards deepening professionalism and improving administrative efficiency in Nigerian universities. He explained that ANUPA serves as the recognised training and capacity-building arm of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU). Dr. Bem emphasised that university administrators play a pivotal role in translating institutional policies into tangible results, stressing that the effectiveness of the university system depends on competent, ethical and professionally grounded administrative personnel.
Dr. Bem identified four major areas of focus for ANUPA: capacity building and professional training; professional standards, ethics and regulation; knowledge production and policy engagement; and mentorship, networking and institutional memory. He highlighted that ANUPA seeks to equip university administrators with the requisite knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the evolving demands of university administration. The association offers specialised training areas, including Council affairs, Registry operations, examinations and records management, policy implementation and digital administration.
The ANUPA President added that the association is committed to promoting ethical conduct, accountability, discipline and standardised professional competencies. He urged university administrators to participate actively in training programmes and conferences, embrace lifelong learning, establish mentorship relationships and contribute meaningfully to branch and national activities. Dr. Bem noted that sustained engagement with ANUPA would help Igbinedion University strengthen its administrative systems and establish a stronger culture of professionalism.
Outlining expectations for the newly inaugurated chapter, Dr. Bem said it should serve as a centre for continuous professional learning, collaborate with the Office of the Registrar and University Management, promote mentorship and ethical conduct, and align its activities with ANUPA's national vision and training calendar. He charged the chapter to project the association as a professional authority in university administration rather than merely an ordinary professional association.
Speaking at the event, Igbinedion University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, described the inauguration of the ANUPA chapter as a significant step towards strengthening professionalism and excellence in university administration. He emphasised that effective university administration remains critical to achieving institutional objectives, noting that academic excellence must be complemented by competent, committed and professionally trained administrative personnel.
Prof. Ezemonye urged members to embrace continuous learning, ethical conduct, innovation and collaboration, stressing that professional development was essential to meeting the changing demands of the university system. The Vice-Chancellor's remarks underscored the importance of ANUPA's role in promoting professionalism and capacity development among university administrators in Nigeria.
Key points
- ANUPA calls for enhanced professionalism and adherence to ethical standards among university administrators to strengthen institutional governance and efficiency.
