NIEPA Facilitates Capacity Building Conference for Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Staff

The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Ondo has successfully concluded a week-long conference on Institutional Management. The TETFUND-sponsored conference, which was held from April 15 to 19, 2025, brought together different cadres of staff from various departments of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti.

Declaring the conference open, the Acting Director-General of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, underscored the critical role of continuous capacity development in institutional management. He opined that institutional management requires a dynamic approach, and continuous training and retraining are key to unlocking the potential of staff to drive institutional growth. Dr. Shofoyeke noted that many organizations have continued to apply outdated techniques without improvement, stressing that training and retraining are essential for unlocking staff potential.

The NIEPA boss commended the management of the Federal Polytechnic for constantly prioritizing the capacity development of its staff, adding that this approach has contributed to the robust and efficient working of its systems. Dr. Shofoyeke called on other tertiary and allied institutions to patronize NIEPA for their various capacity development needs, stating that as part of its mandate, NIEPA will always deliver expertise and high-quality training programmes tailored to meet the needs of its clients.

Also speaking at the opening of the conference, the Registrar of the Institute, Dr. Festus Olaolu, stressed the importance of effective administrative systems in ensuring the smooth operation of academic institutions. Dr. Olaolu told the packed hall that administrative systems play a vital role in maintaining institutional records, facilitating communication, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. He urged the polytechnic staff to always prioritize efficient administrative systems to drive academic excellence and institutional growth.

The Registrar assured the participants that NIEPA has and will always deliver practical, experiential, and knowledge-based training programmes employing unique methods that have earned the Institute a reputation as the best in capacity building in the education sector.

Participants at the conference praised NIEPA’s impactful training style and methods, describing the Institute as a “must-come” destination for education sector workers. Mrs. Ibijola F., who spoke on behalf of the Polytechnic staff, voiced that “NIEPA is a must-come for every education sector worker, and I am so happy to be here, tapping from the source for effective productivity at my workplace.” Other staff members echoed similar sentiments, commending NIEPA for its expertise in capacity building.

The event was attended by NIEPA’s principal officers, including the Head of the Training and Research Department, Dr. Samson Oyeromi, who reiterated NIEPA’s commitment to enhancing the skills of planners, managers, and administrators in Nigerian tertiary institutions. According to him, the conference provides a platform for participants to share experiences, learn from experts, and network with colleagues.

The conference further demonstrated the strong working relationship between NIEPA and the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, as well as other stakeholders in Ekiti State’s education sector, including Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (Ekiti SUBEB) and the Ekiti State Government. The partnership has led to significant development in the state’s education sector.