Campus News

Adegoke urges lecturers to embrace continuous growth, self-care

By Bashir Dawodu

A Professor of Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Alfred A. Adegoke, has called on lecturers in the institution’s Faculty of Education to always pursue self-improvement and their personal well-being.

Prof. Adegoke gave this advice while delivering a keynote lecture at the 2025 edition of the Faculty of Education’s Annual Lecture held at the Faculty’s Lecture Theatre.

He explained that the lecturers needed to balance the two to enable them discharge their core responsibilities of teaching, research, and community service.

Speaking on the topic “Balancing Teaching, Research, and Service Responsibility: Challenges and Strategies for Academic Staff,” Prof. Adegoke highlighted the adverse impact of economic hardship, high inflation, insecurity, poor remuneration, and low motivation on academic performance and morale.

 He explained that these factors are contributing to the decline of educational standards in Nigeria.

“To reverse this trend, academics must find a sustainable way to balance their responsibilities,” he said. pointing out that “this includes spending time meaningfully, setting smart and achievable goals, leveraging their strengths, utilising technological tools, engaging with students, and maintaining physical and mental well-being.’’

Prof. Adegoke also advised lecturers to go for regular medical checkups and incorporate recreational activities into their routines to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In his presentation, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali, whose paper was  titled “Creating a Positive Work Environment: Universities’ Administrative Responsibilities Towards Academic Staff Well-being,” stressed the importance of staff welfare to institutional performance.

            “An organisation is only as good as how it treats its people,” Prof. Ambali said, calling for transparent financial management and increased funding for academic publications.

 He also highlighted the importance of addressing all aspects of staff well-being which included physical, mental, emotional, social, professional, and financial.

The renowned Professor of Environmental Toxicology emphasised the need for University administrations to foster a positive work environment.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole,SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaiye, congratulated the management and staff of the Faculty for sustaining the annual lecture series, describing it as a crucial platform for academic growth.

He commended the guest speakers for their valuable contributions and reminded the Faculty of its role in advancing the University’s Vision 1:10:500 agenda.

Speaking earlier, the  Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, emphasised the significance of the annual lecture as a forum for intellectual engagement and educational advancement.

He expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, Faculty members, and attendees for their participation.

Also speaking,the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, (LOC),Prof. Folakemi Oyeyemi Adeniyi-Egbeola, praised the Dean for reviving the lecture series thereby promoting a culture of academic excellence.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole;  the Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Ganiyu Amuda Yusuf, among others.