UNIBEN Registrar speaks on effective communication for universities

Published By: Paul Dada

By Jethro Ibileke

The Registrar of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Mr Ademola Bobola, has described effective communication as the cornerstone of institutional excellence and key to drive collaboration, innovation and success.

Bobola stated this weekend in Benin while delivering the 3rd Annual Registry Lecture of the Benson Idahosa University (BIU), on the topic, “Effective Communication as a Catalyst for Promoting Institutional Excellent: The Role of Administrators.

He said: “Effective communication is not a luxury, but a necessity for institutions to thrive in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world.

“It is the glue that holds collective efforts together, enabling seamless coordination, fostering problem-solving initiatives, and promoting continuous improvement.”

Bobola further asserted that effective communication is the foundation of a successful and high-ranking university system.

“It facilitates the exchange of ideas, fosters collaboration, and promotes a positive learning environment.

“When students, staff and faculty communicate effectively, they share knowledge, expertise, and perspectives, leading to better academic outcomes, innovative research, improved services, and a positive learning environment.

“Moreover, effective communication helps to build trust, resolve conflicts, and promote a sense of community and belonging, which are essential for staff and students’ engagement, retention, and success.

“Given the large number of tertiary institutions in the country, universities must leverage on effective communication to provide information about their programmes, services, achievements, and overall reputation.

‘’This is to influence the choices of prospective students and facilitate their ranking by various bodies such as Centre for World University Ranking (CWUR), Times Higher Education (THE), based in the United Kingdom, among others,” he added.

The lecturer explained that universities that aspired to be first-choice institutions with high ranking status must effectively deploy the use of various technology tools and gadgets to communicate their vision.

To achieve excellence in communication, he stated that universities need to prioritise open, transparent, and inclusive communication practices, which, according to him, involves providing regular training and resources for faculty, staff, and students to develop their communication skills, thus fostering a culture of feedback and continuous improvement.

Bobola therefore called on administrators, whom he said had a crucial role to play, to leverage technology to enhance communication, collaboration, and academic excellence.

“By doing so, universities can create an environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute to the learning, research, and community-building processes, ultimately leading to institutional excellence and sustained success.

“Administrators at different levels play a crucial role in promoting institutional excellence, with effective communication serving as a veritable tool for building strong work relationships between management, staff, students, alumni, stakeholders, and others.

“This is essential to embrace collaboration, mutual understanding and respect, and create opportunities for the growth and development of the employer, employees, and institution.

“Building healthy relationships across all areas of the work environment fundamentally requires effective communication skills,” he said.

The UNIBEN Registrar, however, identified power dynamics and hierarchy, organisational structure and policy as well as language and culture amongst others as some of the barriers that could impede effective communication.