In a significant move to enhance student governance and leadership, the University of Venda’s Student Representative Council (SRC) Cabinet and some members of senior management embarked on a benchmarking visit to Nigeria. This delegation, led by the University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi aimed to explore and share the best practices in student governance. The visit, which took place between 5 and 9 May 2025, was part of the University of Venda’s broader strategic plan to foster leadership skills and improve student representation.
The primary objectives of the visit were for sharing best practices and to understand the frameworks and strategies employed by South African and Nigerian universities in student governance. The team visited the University of Ilorin in Kwara State and Lagos University in Lagos.
The delegation engaged in a series of activities, including meetings with university management. The delegation met with the management and student leadership teams of Ilorin University and the University of Lagos. During parallel meetings, the team effectively established connections with student leaders and management.
The engagements primarily focused on the salient components of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities in Nigeria, which include but not limited to the exchange of staff and students and to develop joint staff and student development programmes.
These meetings provided insights into the governance structures and operational strategies that have proven effective at the University of Venda and Ilorin and Lagos universities in Nigeria.
The SRC members participated in parliament sitting at Ilorin University which they found to be impressive and worth emulating. The delegation noted the common area of campus stability man-ifested by the level of understanding of student governance by student leaders who always adhere to the highest standards of integrity. The engagements were designed to equip students with practical skills that the student leaders can consider applying in their respective universities.
The delegation toured the two campuses to observe the facilities and resources available. This included visits to student centres, libraries, campus radio station and TV as well as recreational facilities.
The delegation is optimistic that the visit will yield several positive outcomes which include but not limited to enhanced Leadership Skills and intellectual capacity as well as sustenance of campus stability.
The connections made during the visit have paved the way for future collaborations between the University of Venda and Nigerian universities in other areas that the parties shall agree upon.These partnerships are expected to benefit both institutions through shared knowledge and re-sources.
The cultural exchange component of the visit has enriched the SRC members’ understanding of Nigerian culture, fostering a more inclusive and diverse student community at the University of Venda.
It is explicit through the atmosphere among the student leaders that this benchmarking visit was a resounding success. The lessons learnt will certainly position the UNIVEN SRC to better serve its student body. This visit aligns with the University of Venda’s strategic plan, which emphasises the importance of student leadership and engagement. As the SRC implements the lessons learned, the entire univer-sity community stands to benefit from improved governance and a more vibrant campus life.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
