Reimagining Administration: UNIPORT Leads the Way with AI-Powered Future

The University of Port Harcourt took a bold step into the future of higher education management on 30th September 2025, when the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), UNIPORT Chapter, hosted a groundbreaking one-day training workshop titled “Reimagining Administrative Work with AI: A Practical Training for University Administrative Staff.”

The training, led by Dr. Iroh Williams Okwara, Research Management Officer of the University, was more than just a workshop — it was a transformative experience that unveiled how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing administrative work worldwide. Designed to empower university administrators with 21st-century skills, the event marked a significant milestone in UNIPORT’s journey toward a smarter, more efficient, and technology-driven workplace.

Unlocking the Power of AI in Administration

In his opening remarks, Dr. Okwara painted a compelling picture of how AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity reshaping industries — and university administration is no exception.

“Administrative work is evolving beyond paperwork and routine tasks. With AI, we can now focus on strategic, high-value contributions that make a real difference in institutional growth,” he noted.

Participants were taken on a deep dive into how AI can automate repetitive tasks, enhance productivity, and support better decision-making. From handling emails and scheduling meetings to analyzing data and generating reports, AI’s capabilities promise to liberate administrative professionals from mundane chores, enabling them to focus on innovation, creativity, and service excellence.

A Training Packed with Insight and Innovation

The workshop explored the multi-dimensional roles of university administrators — from statutory and professional functions to socio-cultural and technical responsibilities — and how AI can support each of these areas. Participants discovered how modern AI systems can:

• Automate tasks like data entry, email management, and scheduling
• Provide predictive insights to support planning and decision-making
• Enhance collaboration and communication across departments
• Improve data security and privacy
• Personalize communication and user experiences.

Hands-On with AI Tools

One of the most exciting segments of the event was the practical demonstration of cutting-edge AI tools specifically tailored to administrative tasks. Participants explored how to integrate:

• SaneBox & Boomerang – for intelligent email sorting, reminders, and response optimization
• Otter.ai & TurboScribe – for automated transcription of meetings and events
• Calendly & Clockwise – for seamless meeting scheduling
• Julius AI & Salesforce Einstein – for advanced data analysis and insights
• Gamma AI & ChatPDF – for document generation, summarization, and report preparation

These tools showcased how AI is not just an assistant but a powerful collaborator in transforming daily workflows.

The ChatGPT Revolution: Your New Digital Colleague

A highlight of the day was the in-depth session on ChatGPT, the world’s most advanced conversational AI. Participants learned how to harness its potential to:

• Draft professional reports and emails in seconds
• Summarize lengthy documents and meeting notes
• Conduct real-time research and provide up-to-date information
• Automate Google Workspace — from Sheets to Docs to Slides

Dr. Okwara introduced the “9 Golden Rules of Prompting” — a framework to help users get precise and impactful results from AI systems — and demonstrated how to transform ChatGPT into a personal productivity assistant capable of handling complex tasks with ease.

Beyond Tools: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

More than a tech workshop, the event also focused on the human side of digital transformation. Administrative staff were encouraged to adopt a growth mindset — one that embraces continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration.

The message was clear: the future of work belongs to those who are not just technologically equipped but also intellectually adaptable.

Charting the Future of Administration at UNIPORT

As the session concluded, the excitement in the room was palpable. Attendees left not just with new technical skills but with a renewed vision of what administrative work could be — intelligent, efficient, and impactful.

“With AI, we can reimagine our roles and redefine university administration for the digital era,” Dr. Okwara affirmed. “This is just the beginning.”

The workshop reaffirmed the University of Port Harcourt’s commitment to equipping its workforce with future-ready skills and fostering a culture of innovation. As technology continues to evolve, UNIPORT is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation — ensuring that its administrative engine is as dynamic and forward-thinking as the academic mission it serves.