The Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye Ph.D, FAS, led a high-profile management retreat with Provosts, Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments at the prestigious Kada Plaza in Benin City on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The retreat, themed ‘Reflections on the Return to the Ivory Towers: Drivers and Enablers,’ aimed to delve into key strategies for sustaining academic excellence within the institution. Building on the outcomes of a previous Council Retreat in September 2023, the current gathering focused on a multitude of crucial resolutions. These include the impact of disruptive technology on higher education, the promotion of interdisciplinary knowledge, continuous mentorship for staff and students, investment in revenue generation for sustainability, and the enhancement of the university’s reputation for global collaborations and competitiveness.
Moreover, the retreat emphasized the establishment of key policies such as Data Protection, Intellectual Property, and Academic Integrity, as well as the creation of large endowments to bolster the institution’s financial standing. Noteworthy initiatives discussed included the implementation of mentorship programs, staff reward systems, and welfare policies geared toward enhancing performance and productivity. Team discussions at the retreat covered a wide array of topics related to the overarching theme, with each team focusing on specific aspects under the guidance of Team Leads and Alternate Team Leads. The deliberate exclusion of external resources aimed to foster organic decision-making and domestication of resolutions within the university community. Professor Ezemonye underscored the significance of the retreat as a moment for reflection, strategizing, and team building. Participants were encouraged to actively engage, share insights, and collaborate towards implementing the Council resolutions for the university’s advancement. In closing, the University Don lauded the dedication and commitment of the attendees, urging them to make the retreat a memorable and productive experience. The event not only served as a platform for setting strategic goals but also as a means to strengthen bonds, foster collaboration, and align efforts towards a common vision of academic excellence and institutional growth.
