Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation (IAHERI), Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) in collaboration with Higher Education Leadership and Development Academy Nigeria (HELDAN), has organized a workshop aimed at exposing participants to the complexities of Higher Education Governance, Leadership and Management in a university system.
The participants, who are academics, were drawn from four universities, including Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State, Northwest University, Sokoto, MAAUN Niger and MAAUN Kano, the host university.
The event, which took place at the School of Computing, MAAUN Kano, was aimed at creating awareness among the stakeholders to understand that developing a workable higher education system as well as understanding its challenges, requires the scholarship and expertise of trained higher education professionals.
In his presentations, a professor of Higher Education and Founder, Nigerian Society for Higher Education Research and Development (NSHERD), who doubled as the chief facilitator, advocated the recognition and institutionalization of higher education as a field of study and a professional practice in Nigeria.
Prof. Muftahu, a seasoned academic, expressed concern that despite being the largest in Africa, with millions of students, the Nigerian higher education system has suffered from acute scarcity or complete lack of Higher Education Professionals (HEPROs).
He explained that HEPROs are a group of highly qualified personnel in Higher Education Institutions who support the academic and administrative systems and procedures in the institutions.
According to him, a country’s overall development is dependent on the strength of its higher education system, which is heavily reliant on the presence and contributions of the HEPROs.
Prof. Muftahu, who presented three papers, left no stone unturned in his efforts to bring to limelight the realities on ground and opportunities thereunder higher education system that universities stand to gain when given a chance.
While appealing to the government to initiate a framework or policies to continuously support higher education development and involving HEPROs training, Prof . Muftahu also tasked the participants to try to put the knowledge gained into action by establishing at least micro higher education policies in their respective institutions.
He commended MAAUN for taking a bold step towards the promotion of higher education research with the establishment of its Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation, IAHERI, under the leadership of Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna.
In his welcome address, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr said higher education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the societies.
According to him, It is through effective governance, visionary leadership, and efficient management that universities could ensure the delivery of quality education, foster innovation, and empower students to become leaders of tomorrow.
He charged all the participants to actively participate, share their experiences, and engage in fruitful discussions so as to learn from one another, forge new connections, and collectively contribute to the advancement of higher education.
Prof. Israr expressed hope that the workshop would be a catalyst for meaningful change, fostering a brighter future for higher education institutions worldwide.
He identified some key areas that should be prioritized to elevate the status of higher education including higher education research and policy development, leadership, professional practice, a national strategic action plan and the establishment of a national institute for higher education research.
In his closing remarks, the President of MAAUN Group of universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo stressed the need for effective management of Higher education to promote research and development in universities across the globe.
He said the workshop was part of MAAUN’s renewed effort and commitment to advancing higher education governance in the university in particular and in Nigerian universities and beyond.
Prof. Gwarzo lauded the Director of IAHERI, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna, for initiating the program and urged the participants to make the best use of the knowledge acquired to ensure effective and efficient management of their universities.
While emphasizing on the importance of innovation and internationalization, Prof. Gwarzo said MAAUN would continue to promote innovation, research development with a view to ensure academic excellence.
Highlights of the workshop include group discussions, questions and answers, award of certificates to the participants and photo session, among others.
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