The University of Lagos has empowered staff of its Bursary Unit with a two-day capacity-building workshop, themed “Fostering a Culture of Excellence in Bursary Services“. Facilitated by the Staff Training and Development Unit of the university, the training kicked off on Tuesday July, 29, 2025 at at the Faculty of Science Board Room.
In her opening remarks, the University Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle described the Bursary as the “engine room of the University’s operations”, noting that training is essential to advancing the efficiency and professionalism of the Unit.
“Bursary staff must constantly sharpen their skills,” she said. “We are the best managers of resources and must be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with sound knowledge of finance-related laws and effective communication skills.”
Effective Communication: A Core Competency
One of the facilitators, Dr. Babatunji Adepoju, delivered a presentation on Enhancing Communication Skills for Bursary Staff. He stressed the importance of clarity and precision in all forms of communication, especially written correspondence.
“If communication is not clear, the intended audience will not comprehend the message,” he noted. “As financial officers in an academic environment, your writing must be concise, accurate, and tailored to the standards of a university audience.”
Dr. Adepoju emphasised that bursary personnel must go beyond numerical accuracy and ensure their documentation and correspondence reflect high standards of professionalism. He advocated the embrace of emotional intelligence in their dealings with the public with a firm, yet respectful tone, in official interactions.
He also reminded participants of the importance of confidentiality in financial communication.
“Despite the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, there are boundaries that must be respected. Unauthorized disclosure of figures can have serious consequences,” he cautioned.
Preparing for Career Advancement
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Akinwunmi Oladapo Lewis delivered a session on The Essentials of a Successful Interview. He encouraged staff to continuously pursue professional development and be prepared for opportunities as they arise.
“Nothing remains constant in a growing organisation,” he said. “As roles evolve, interviews will remain crucial in selecting individuals who align with the vision and mission of the institution.”
Dr. Lewis highlighted the importance of understanding organizational culture, presenting a well-crafted CV, and exhibiting professionalism in dressing, demeanour, and communication.
“An interviewee must demonstrate deep knowledge of the subject matter, maintain good eye contact, and be articulate in spoken English. Confidence is essential, but it must be tempered with humility and politeness.”
He also advised participants to showcase their strengths clearly and convincingly, reinforcing the need to position
themselves as the best fit for any opportunity.
Management’s Commitment to Staff Development
In her closing remarks, Director of the Staff Training and Development Unit, Mrs. Aderonke Asiwaju, expressed appreciation to the University Management, the resource persons, and all participants.
She affirmed that the programme aligns with the “Future-Ready” agenda of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, which prioritizes the continuous development of human capital.
“This training is part of our commitment to building a workforce that is fully equipped to deliver excellence, now and into the future,” she said.
The training initiative was designed to enhance service delivery among Bursary personnel, who serve as custodians of the University’s financial resources. It emphasised the importance of aligning bursary operations with international best practices while meeting the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.
Report: Akinola Afolabi
Photography: Joshua Michael
