The Nigerian Institute of Professional Secretaries (NIPS), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) Chapter, has taken another bold step toward improving workplace professionalism, discipline, and data security through a two-day capacity-building workshop for clerical officers, drivers, and security personnel. The training, themed “Work Ethics, Confidentiality, and Security of Documents and Information,” was held on Tuesday, 28th, and Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the New SICT Hall, Gidan Kwano Campus.
Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Abdullahi Mohammed, commended NIPS for organizing the workshop and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering professionalism and institutional integrity. He described the initiative as timely, given the increasing need for effective information management and ethical conduct in public institutions.
Prof. Kuta urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and openness, noting that “the ability to properly handle, classify, and secure sensitive information is a hallmark of professionalism and a reflection of institutional trust.” He encouraged them to seek clarification where necessary, ask questions, and share innovative ideas that can help improve service delivery within the University system.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Justina E. Oyaluna, Chairperson of NIPS, FUT Minna Chapter, emphasized that the workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of non-teaching staff whose roles are central to the University’s day-to-day operations. She appealed to participants to pay close attention to the lectures and apply the knowledge gained toward improving efficiency and fostering personal development. “Professionalism begins with discipline, ethics, and respect for confidentiality,” she stated.
One of the major presentations was delivered by the Director of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Professor Kasim U. Isah, who spoke on the theme of work ethics as the foundation of institutional growth. Prof. Isah defined work ethics as doing the right thing at all times, even in the absence of supervision, and being conscious of the impact of one’s actions on others. He highlighted core values such as integrity, honesty, accountability, responsibility, respect, and professionalism as essential to building a strong institutional culture.
He cautioned participants against unethical practices such as absenteeism, lateness, misuse of official resources, and collecting allowances for unexecuted tasks. According to him, “Ethical behavior improves productivity, teamwork, and career advancement.” Prof. Isah called on all categories of staff to cultivate discipline, competence, and a commitment to public service ethics.
Another key session was handled by Mrs. Aisha S. D. Usman, Deputy Registrar at the Centre for Preliminary and Extra-Mural Studies (CPES), who spoke on Information Confidentiality and Data Security. She reminded participants that universities handle diverse categories of sensitive information, including personal, academic, administrative, and financial data, such as student records, staff files, research findings, and governing council minutes. Breaches of such information, she warned, could result in reputational damage, litigation, and loss of public confidence.
Mrs. Usman described clerical officers as the backbone of the university’s administrative system, emphasizing the need to secure physical and digital documents. She advised them to use locked cabinets, create strong passwords, and dispose of obsolete materials appropriately. For drivers and security personnel, she stressed the importance of safeguarding transported documents, verifying identities, and enforcing access control at all entry points.
On the second day of the workshop, Barrister Evelyn P. Hussaini, Deputy Director of the Legal Unit, delivered a lecture on professionalism, focusing on the principles of accuracy, punctuality, accountability, and time management. She explained that accuracy reduces costly errors, punctuality enhances productivity, and accountability strengthens institutional trust. Barr. Hussaini charged staff to see professionalism not just as a policy but as a personal ethic guiding their daily conduct.
The final presentation was delivered by Mr. Ben Legbo Baba, Deputy Registrar, School of Physical Sciences, who spoke extensively on Confidentiality and Information Security. He highlighted four levels of information classification — Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted — explaining that each requires unique management protocols to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Mr. Legbo also cited several legal frameworks guiding information management in Nigeria, including the Official Secrets Act, Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) . Act 2015. He reminded staff that unauthorized disclosure of official information constitutes serious misconduct under the University’s Conditions of Service.
He concluded by emphasizing that confidentiality is both a moral and legal responsibility, reflecting professionalism, loyalty, and dedication to the institution. “Every staff member whether in administration, driving, or security plays a vital role in protecting the integrity and reputation of FUT Minna,” he said, urging all participants to remain vigilant and discreet in handling official documents and information.
The two-day training workshop was widely praised as a success, reaffirming the University’s and NIPS’ commitment to building a culture of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and institutional excellence in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
