The Department of Economics and Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has made a significant institutional stride by organizing an orientation programme for newly recruited staff of the department.
The training programme themed; Building Professionalism for a Better Academic Future, the first of its kind in the department was designed to acquaint newly recruited staff with the University’s professional, academic and administrative expectations, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for effective service delivery.
Declaring the programme open, the Acting Head of the Department, Dr Michael Envoghasim, underscored the importance of providing new members of the academic community with proper orientation from the outset of their careers in the University. He emphasized the need for professionalism, commitment to duty, adherence to institutional standards and a clear understanding of the responsibilities associated with academic service.
Dr. Envoghasim noted that the initiative was conceived to help the new staff understand not only their immediate departmental responsibilities but also the broader systems and processes that guide effective academic and administrative operations in the University.
Speaking on “Service Excellence in the Workplace,” the Director of SERVICOM, Prof. Kennedy Ololo, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr. Charity Nwigwe, addressed the importance of professionalism and quality service in the workplace. She highlighted the need for staff to understand that every responsibility entrusted to them contributes to the overall effectiveness and reputation of the University.
She emphasized the importance of punctuality, responsiveness, accountability, diligence and commitment to duty, noting that excellence in service delivery goes beyond merely completing assigned tasks, adding that it involves demonstrating the right attitude, respecting colleagues and students, responding appropriately to institutional needs and consistently striving to deliver quality outcomes.
Dr Nwigwe, urged the newly employed staff to work towards contributing positively to improve service delivery within the University.
Representing the Director of Quality Assurance, Dr Lawrence Ogugua, Dr. Susan Ugorji spoke on “Examination Conduct, Script Marking/Grading,” and harped on integrity in examination processes with focus on the standards and responsibilities guiding the University’s examination processes.
She took the new staff through the importance of proper examination conduct, confidentiality, fairness, accuracy and adherence to approved academic procedures. Particular attention was given to the responsibilities of academic staff in the handling of examination scripts, marking and grading, with emphasis on consistency and objectivity in assessing students’ academic performance.
The presentation further underpinned the need for examiners to exercise diligence and professional judgment in order to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the University’s assessment system.
In the same vein, the Director of ICT, Prof. Rita Alo, represented by Dr. Makua Ojide, focused on “Result Upload and ICT-Related Services,” exposing the newly recruited staff to the University’s technology-driven academic processes.
She highlighted the growing importance of ICT in modern university administration, particularly in the processing, uploading and management of students’ results, stressing the need for staff to properly understand and utilize the University’s relevant digital platforms while ensuring accuracy and promptness in handling academic records.
The session also drew attention to the role of ICT in facilitating efficient communication, record management and other academic and administrative services, reinforcing the need for new staff to become familiar with the University’s digital systems as part of their professional responsibilities. She assured the newly employed of the readiness of the departmental leadership and other senior colleagues to offer their assistance when needed.
The sessions ensured that newly recruited staff begin their careers at AEFUNAI with a clear understanding of the vision and missions of the university, as well as appreciate the standards, processes and professional responsibilities expected of them at their department.
