The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale, has urged secretarial professionals and administrative staff to embrace digital transformation as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat to their relevance in the modern workplace.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the annual training programme organised by the Chartered Institute of Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria (CIPSSON), UI Branch.
Represented by the Director of Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Omobowale, Prof. Adebowale said digital innovation was reshaping professional environments globally, making it necessary for workers to continuously improve their skills and adapt to evolving workplace realities.
“Do not see the digital workplace as a threat to your relevance, see it as a tool to elevate your dignity,” the Vice-Chancellor charged participants at the training programme.
According to him, secretarial professionals who master virtual coordination, information management, and strategic workplace communication would become indispensable assets within their organisations.
“When secretaries master virtual coordination, they become indispensable; when they excel in information management, they become powerful, and when they build strategic relationships, they become leaders,” he stated.
Prof. Adebowale encouraged participants to approach the training with open minds, stressing the importance of continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling in an increasingly technology-driven work environment.
He further challenged attendees to emerge from the programme as “digital-first, excellence-driven secretarial professionals” capable of supporting institutional productivity and innovation.
The one-day workshop, themed “Enhancing Professional Excellence in the Digital Workplace: Virtual Coordination, Information Management, and Strategic Workplace Relationships,” brought together secretarial staff, administrators, executive officers, and business educators from within and outside the university community.
Speaking at the event, the Registrar of the University, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, reminded participants of the importance of belonging to professional bodies, noting that such associations provide opportunities for growth, networking, and career development.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Prince Isaiah O. B. Lawal, who advised participants to remain professionally disciplined, relationally intelligent, and technically competent in order to thrive within academic and corporate environments.
He observed that the increasing adoption of digital tools and remote work systems has created greater demand for workers who possess not only technical expertise but also adaptability, collaboration skills, and emotional intelligence.
According to him, professional excellence in the digital workplace is a continuous process that requires regular learning, adaptation, and self-improvement.
“The digital workplace is not just about working smarter with technology, it is about working better with people, processes, and information,” Lawal said.
He also urged organisations to strengthen systems for data management, information security, virtual coordination, and flexible workplace policies in order to improve efficiency and accountability.
In her remarks, the President of the UI Branch of CIPSSON, Dr. Virginia O. Onche, explained that the training programme was designed to benefit all categories of workers within professional environments.
She clarified that the institute is not limited to secretarial staff alone but focuses on promoting teamwork, professionalism, and improved workplace productivity among individuals with shared professional interests.
The workshop featured additional presentations including “Keys to Managing, Coordinating, and Enhancing Virtual Meetings in the Digital Era” delivered by Mr. Paul Adejumo, as well as “Information Management and Technical Support Skills for the Modern Office” presented by Mr. B. A. Waheed.
At the post-workshop dinner, members of the UI Branch of CIPSSON honoured several distinguished personalities for their mentorship, support, and contributions to professional development within the university community.
Among those recognised were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter O. Olapegba, who was decorated as Patron of the branch, and Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, who was decorated as Patroness.
Other award recipients included Prof. Adebowale, Mr. Saliu, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. T. O. Ogundiran, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Adejoke O. Akinpelu, and community leader Chief Jamiu A. Ekungba for their support and philanthropic contributions to the institute and society.
