STAFF TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT: A STRATEGIC GOAL OF THE ASPIRE AGENDA IN ACTION: TWO-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PROTOCOL AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS.

The Bayelsa Medical University has once again demonstrated its commitment to institutional excellence and staff development through the successful participation of its Protocol and Public Relations Officers in a high-level professional training programme. The initiative reflects the visionary leadership of Prof. Dimie Ogoina, Vice-Chancellor, whose transformational ASPIRE Agenda continues to redefine administrative excellence and professional capacity within the University. For the first time in its history, the institution is recording an unprecedented number of staff benefitting from structured professional development opportunities. This remarkable achievement underscores the Vice-Chancellor’s deliberate and strategic investment in human capital, recognizing that a globally competitive university must be powered by well-trained, competent, and forward-thinking personnel. As part of this commitment, six members of staff from the University’s Public Relations and Protocol Units participated in a Two-Day Capacity Building Training Programme for Protocol and Public Relations Officers, organized by the University in partnership with St. Lambert Consult Ltd., Port Harcourt. The training held from 5th -6th March 2026 under the theme: “The Impact and Power of Protocol and Public Relations in the Organization.” The University community has widely applauded the Vice-Chancellor’s unique leadership style and the financial support provided under the ASPIRE Agenda, which made it possible for the staff to benefit from this important professional development programme. OVERVIEW OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME The training programme was facilitated by renowned protocol expert Julius Lambert Nyananyo, whose extensive experience in executive protocol management and institutional communication provided participants with valuable professional insights. KEY SESSIONS FOCUSED ON: 1. Understanding the practices and principles of protocol in Nigeria. 2. Public relations as a strategic tool for strengthening organizational relationships 3. Mastering protocol management and navigating high-level engagements 4. Understanding institutional operations from a public relations perspective 5. Interactive professional discussions and case-based learning sessions. The programme combined lectures, practical discussions, and scenario-based learning, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of how strategic communication and protocol management enhance institutional leadership and organizational reputation. STRATEGIC BENEFITS TO THE UNIVERSITY. Participation in the training has significantly strengthened the operational capacity of the Public Relations and Protocol Units, with measurable benefits including: 1. Improved protocol coordination for official visits, ceremonies, and high-level engagements. 2. Enhanced strategic communication skills for projecting the University’s image. 3. More effective coordination of institutional events and dignitary visits. 4. Strengthened media relations and stakeholder engagement. 5. A deeper understanding of the strategic role of public relations and protocol in supporting executive leadership. The knowledge and professional exposure gained from the programme will further enhance the ability of these units to support the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and amplify the visibility and reputation of Bayelsa Medical University both nationally and internationally. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT In line with the insights gained during the programme, the participants respectfully recommend: 1. The institutionalization of regular capacity-building programmes for staff of the Public Relations and Protocol Units. 2. Extension of similar training opportunities to principal officers and senior staff who work closely with the Vice-Chancellor to strengthen their ability to support the University’s strategic direction. 3. The development of a comprehensive University Protocol and Strategic Communication Framework to guide official engagements, meetings, and institutional ceremonies. A modern global university cannot build a strong reputation without a well-structured and properly equipped Public Relations and Protocol system. Strategic investment in these areas will greatly enhance institutional visibility, media engagement, event management, and documentation, thereby positioning Bayelsa Medical University competitively within Nigeria and the global academic community. The staff of the Public Relations and Protocol Units express their profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering commitment to staff development and institutional excellence. His leadership, vision, and the transformative ASPIRE Agenda continue to open new pathways for professional growth across the University. They reaffirmed their loyalty and dedication to supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s vision while strengthening the image, reputation, and global standing of Bayelsa Medical University.