A one-day academic workshop organized by Amadeus University for her academic staff with the theme, “Essential Knowledge and Skills for a Successful Academic Career,” has ended with a charge on the participants to put into practice what they have learnt for improved productivity and quality service delivery.
Declaring the workshop open at the university campus headquarters, Amizi in Ikwuano Local Government Area, the Vice Chancellor of Amadeus University, Prof. Samuel Nzota, said the training session was designed to improve the skills and knowledge base of the university’s academics in line with global best practices.
Prof. Nzota disclosed that the university organizes periodic training and workshops for her academic and non-teaching staff to keep them focused on the goal of producing industry-ready graduates and to enable them to effectively respond to the ever-changing dynamics in the knowledge industry.
He further noted that the workshop would help reengineer the entire process of teaching and learning, serve as a basis for effective assessment methods and expressed appreciation to the organizers and the school management for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.
Delivering a lecture titled “Effective Teaching and Learning,” the Registrar of Amadeus University, Mr. Ernest Onuoha, stressed the need for academics to engage regularly in continuous learning through research in order to remain current in knowledge and ahead of their learners.
Mr. Onuoha also emphasized the importance of appropriate dressing, possession of relevant ICT skills for effective use of modern instructional facilities, clear and confident communication, punctuality and passion in delivering lectures.
Speaking, some of the facilitators of the workshop including the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Abia State University, Prof. Ositadinma Ugbogu, who spoke on “Assessment and Evaluation,” and Prof. Innocent Nnorom, who delivered a lecture on “Technology and Research,” harped on the need for participants to actively engage in research projects that contribute meaningfully to their fields of study.
They disclosed that the purpose of evaluation is to monitor students’ progress, provide constructive feedback and guide academic decisions for improved learning outcomes.
Also speaking, Prof. Uzoma Okugo, who spoke on the topic, “Communication and Professionalism,” and Prof. Nkeiruka Azubuike, who spoke on “Student Support and Mentorship,” noted that a lecturer’s success is not measured solely by the volume of publications but by the quality of graduates produced.
They also described mentorship as a hidden curriculum that transforms a student from a learner into a leader and a professional bridge between students’ current education and their future careers.
In an interview, some of the participants including Dr. Rosemary Elekeh, Miss Juliet Opara, Dr. Nnemeka Ndubuwa, Dr. Dom Onwuzuruigbo, Sir Anyaso Anyaso among others, described the workshop as enlightening, timely and impactful.
They also appreciated the management of Amadeus University for organizing the capacity-building programme and promised to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance teaching effectiveness and academic excellence.
In a vote of thanks, the Director of Research, Amadeus University, Prof. Henry Ekeh, expressed gratitude to the facilitators, university management and participants for their commitment and active participation, noting that the workshop would go a long way in strengthening the institution’s academic standards.
The workshop, which featured question and answer sessions, had members of the university management in attendance.
