The School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Lagos has turned the spotlight inward, gathering its entire staff for a structured retreat designed to confront a problem that quietly undermines Universities across Nigeria: the gap between institutional mandate and the people responsible for delivering it.
The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Abraham Osinubi, used the occasion to issue a direct challenge to his team, expressing concern that some junior staff were unable to clearly articulate the functions of the postgraduate school. He described the gap as a signal for deeper internal engagement, stressing that all personnel, regardless of rank, are critical stakeholders in shaping a meaningful student experience. "Students remain central to the existence of the Institution," he said, adding that delivering a fulfilling academic journey is not optional but essential.
The single day retreat, themed "Student Experience: The Present and Future of Universities," provided a platform for reflection and forward looking discussions aimed at improving service delivery and aligning operations with global best practices in postgraduate education. Deputy Registrar and Administrative Secretary Mr. Rotimi Adedunye opened the sessions with a presentation titled "From Insight to Impact: Reflections on the Last Retreat," urging participants to move beyond ideas to measurable outcomes.
A session by Tonya Lawani, Group Chief Executive Officer of SEAL Group, offered a perspective that was both professional and personal. Speaking on "Enhancing Student Experience Through Positive Workplace Attitudes: Building a Culture of Excellence in SPGS Services," Lawani drew on her experience as a current postgraduate student at the University, describing it as largely positive and attributing her satisfaction to supportive staff, improved research systems, and the school's transition to digitalised processes.
Sub Dean Dr. Aliu Soyingbe examined the future ready agenda of Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, outlining expectations for the postgraduate school around adaptability, innovation, and responsiveness in administration. Dr. Viola Akhigbe challenged participants further in her session on strategic repositioning, urging the school to rethink its role beyond academics to encompass innovation, external partnerships, and long term institutional impact.
Now in its third edition since its introduction in 2024, the SPGS Retreat reflects a deliberate effort by the school's leadership to build a service culture worthy of the students it serves. At a time when Nigerian postgraduate education faces growing scrutiny over quality, responsiveness, and global competitiveness, the willingness of a school within UNILAG to hold itself publicly accountable to its own standards is the kind of institutional self awareness that more Universities in the country would do well to emulate.
