The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has commenced the Spring 2026 semester with a comprehensive staff development workshop organized by the Human Resources and Development Department. The four-day program, held from January 13 to 16 at the University’s e-Library, brought together administrative staff from across campus for sessions focused on strengthening professional conduct, strategic thinking, and ethical responsibility.
In his opening remarks, AUN President Dr. DeWayne Frazier commended staff for their commitment to the University and emphasized the centrality of ethics to institutional sustainability. “When the foundation is cracked, everything and everyone collapses,” he said, urging participants to consistently uphold high professional standards.
The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Paul Vita, reinforced this message, calling on staff to demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and respect in their daily interactions, noting that these values are critical to the University’s credibility and effectiveness.
Registrar and Vice President for Administration, Mr. Daniel Okereke, highlighted the need for intentional planning and responsible leadership. “What I want you to take home from here are strategic thinking for short-, medium-, and long-term purposes, accountability, and stewardship,” he stated.
The workshop featured facilitators from both within and outside the University and incorporated presentations, interactive discussions, and group activities aimed at encouraging engagement and practical application. Participants explored approaches to leadership development, service improvement, and institutional effectiveness through collaborative learning.
Designed to support AUN’s mission and strategic objectives, the sessions addressed current workplace realities through department-focused themes, with emphasis on teamwork, capacity enhancement, and ethical decision-making. One session, in particular, engaged participants in in-depth discussions on maintaining professionalism and effectively addressing ethical challenges in the workplace.
According to Hajia Faizatu Abubakar Ahmed, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Planning, the workshop underscores the University’s continued investment in its workforce as a key driver of administrative excellence and quality service delivery.
Participants described the program as timely and impactful, noting that the insights gained would strengthen their performance and contribute to a more responsive, professional, and service-oriented campus community as the semester progresses.
Reported by John Abah