Northwest University, Sokoto, has introduced a monthly capacity building programme for its senior academic and administrative staff, aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving efficiency, and enhancing service delivery.

The one day workshop, held on Wednesday under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof Mukhtar Bunza, brought together Deans, heads of department, directors, faculty officers, examination officers, and senior registry staff to deepen collaboration across the Institution.

Former Vice Chancellor and University administrator, Prof Aminu Mikailu, who delivered the keynote address, stated that the success of any university rests on teamwork, strategic planning, and continuous staff development.

"A University grows when every unit understands its responsibilities and works towards a common institutional goal. Academic staff and administrative personnel are partners in progress. One cannot function effectively without the support of the other," he said.

Mikailu argued that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee institutional excellence, insisting that the competence and commitment of personnel remain the true drivers of academic success.

"Buildings alone do not make a University great. It is the quality, commitment, and competence of its personnel that determine whether an institution will attain national and international recognition. Continuous staff development is therefore not a luxury but a necessity," he added.

He also outlined differences between public and private Universities, noting that private Institutions enjoy greater administrative flexibility and faster decision making, while public Universities must comply with statutory procedures involving Governing Councils, supervising ministries, and, in some cases, the National Assembly.

Mikailu disclosed that he accepted the invitation to mentor staff of Northwest University as his contribution to the educational vision of the Institution's Founder and Pro Chancellor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, after previously declining an offer to serve as Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University due to health challenges.

Bunza, speaking at the event, revealed that the workshop would become a monthly programme designed to equip senior officers with the knowledge and skills required for effective service delivery.

"The strength of every university lies in the teamwork and competence of its workforce. When our staff continues to acquire new knowledge and improve their skills, the institution becomes stronger, more innovative, and more competitive," he noted.

He added that the University remains committed to modernising its administrative processes, stressing that outdated methods can no longer deliver the results the Institution seeks.

"We cannot continue to do things the old way and expect different results. We must constantly update our knowledge, improve our administrative processes, and strengthen collaboration among all units if we are to achieve our vision of becoming a centre of academic excellence," Bunza stated.

The Vice Chancellor commended Senator Wamakko for his continued support for the University, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment has accelerated its development.

In his vote of thanks, the Registrar, Umar Garba Garunbabba, thanked the Founder for approving the training and praised the Vice Chancellor for implementing it without delay, noting that Registry staff in particular stand to benefit, given how many have never worked within the university system.