He said the retreat was also to evaluate the team activities for 2022, set Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for 2023 and develop group and personal plan/KPI for the current year.

“Active learning is not just about taking certified courses, you must also implement your knowledge. Learn to grow, not just to know,” he stated.

He reminded participants that the AI4FS project, aimed at developing innovation and inventions that would be changing the “way we gain knowledge, acquire skills, work in the industry, develop our curriculum and provide gender inclusiveness in STEM in the country.”

Aibinu, a professor of Mechatronics Engineering, further presented an overview of his mandate on growing research, innovation and development at the institution within four years to include: introducing grantsmanship and mentoring scheme, setting up four research groups with provision of appropriate facilities, and promoting research-based teaching for sustainable and societal development.

He also outlined the 2023 KPI for the research group to include: “Growing research proposal success rate from five to 10 per cent, generating $1,500, in research grants, moving from non-indexed publishing to ISI indexed publishing (minimum of Q3 journals), have an income-generating registered startup company on the campus, fostering membership drive (quality over quantity), doubling the number of industry collaborators and extending invitation to other institutions.”

At the second segment of the retreat, the vice chancellor guided the team through the development of an effective yearly planner. He emphasised the need to achieve this bearing “five points in mind: I am to do the work, I must manage my time, I must ensure my success, I must accept feedback, and I must reward myself.

“As you prepare your year plan, make sure to include your family. Set smart goals and don’t waste your time,” Aibinu said.