The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, has urged staff of the university to develop themselves on the use of computers in their day-to-day activities.
Prof. Asaolu said the world is now primarily driven by technology and innovations; hence, it is expected of all staff to be digitally competent in order to be relevant and productive.
He noted that digital visibility and proficiency are key factors in global and national university rankings, adding that the school cannot take the back seat and be operating in the old space.
The Vice-Chancellor made these known in his welcome address at the 2024 Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) held at the school premises on Monday.
The training program, which was sponsored by the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), according to Asaolu, will complement the school’s efforts in ensuring that teaching, learning, and administrative functions are driven by cutting-edge technology.
The VC, while highlighting some of the measures put in place to ensure that the institution is not left behind technologically, said the university management has supplied smart boards to all the faculties with training held on the effective use of these smart boards.
He added that the school governing council recently approved the deployment of accounting software, while all the staff of the bursary will be made to undergo training on the effective use of this software.
He said, “This initiative really underscores our commitment to enhancing technological proficiency among our staff and empowering them to excel in this era of rapid digital transformation.
In this new world of work that is primarily driven by technology and innovations, it is expected of all staff to be digitally competent in order to be relevant and productive.
“This training will no doubt complement our efforts in ensuring that teaching, learning, and administrative functions are driven by cutting-edge technology.
“The university management has supplied smart boards to all the faculties, and trainings have been held on effective use of these smart boards. To make the Bursary Department perform effectively and efficiently, the Governing Council recently approved the deployment of accounting software, while all the staff of the Bursary will be made to undergo training on the effective use of this software.
“The ultimate aim is to digitise the operations of other service departments like the Registry, Internal Audit, and others towards increasing efficiency, timely delivery of service, and operating a paperless system.
“Staff are therefore enjoined to prepare themselves for this mode of operation by taking a personal interest in developing themselves on the use of computers, as it has now become highly imperative that all staff of the university (academic or non-teaching) be computer literate.
“Digital visibility and proficiency are key factors in global and national university rankings, enhancing reputation, education delivery, and research outputs. So, as a university, we cannot take the back seat and be operating in the old space.
“There is no doubt that the Digital Bridge Institute’s ADEPTI workshop aligns with our vision, focussing on data analysis and visualisation, using SPSS and Microsoft Power BI for academic staff, and Digital Skills, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies (DiSCET) for all participants.
“We appreciate this strategic partnership, and we look forward to more interventions from the DBI and the parent body, i.e., the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).”
Prof. Asaolu, while appreciating the organiser of the training, urged participants to take it seriously.
“To the participants, please take this training seriously. I am confident that the expertise of our resource persons will enhance your digital skills and inspire innovative approaches to technology integration. The knowledge and skills acquired will have far-reaching impacts on your job productivity, personal and professional lives, and the advancement of this university.
“As I extend my gratitude to the DBI for sponsoring this training, to which we are giving our full support, it is my pleasure to declare the training programme open,” he submitted.
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