Peace Corps Commandant, Dickson Akoh participates in high-level university governance retreat

The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Dickson Akoh, has participated in a high-level retreat on university governance and leadership aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and promoting best practices in higher education administration.

The three-day programme, held in Lagos from June 1 to June 3, 2026, was organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in collaboration with Conference for Africa Studies Limited (CFA Studies).

The retreat brought together members of Governing Councils and top administrators from federal universities across Nigeria to deliberate on critical issues affecting the governance and management of tertiary institutions.

The programme featured intensive sessions on university governance systems, risk management, compliance, financial oversight, institutional reputation management and the relationship between Governing Councils and university management.

Participants also examined emerging trends in funding tertiary institutions, accountability mechanisms, stakeholder engagement and strategies for enhancing efficiency and transparency in higher education administration.

Speaking on the importance of the retreat, Dr. Akoh stressed the need for continuous knowledge acquisition and capacity development as essential tools for building strong and sustainable institutions.

According to him, effective governance, accountability and strategic leadership remain critical to the success of educational institutions and organisations.

The retreat was facilitated by leading scholars, administrators and policy experts, including former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate; Director of NIPSS-OSKASOGS, Ago-Iwoye, Professor Sola Adeyanju; and Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Hillside University, Okemesi-Ekiti, Mr. Olaoye Jaiyeola.

The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, who commended the organisers for providing a platform for learning, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on strengthening governance standards across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.