The Chartered Institute of Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria (CIPSSON), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) Chapter, has marked its 2026 International Week of Secretaries with a renewed call for professional recognition, career progression, and adaptation to emerging technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The three-day celebration, held from Tuesday, April 21 to Thursday, April 23, 2026, was themed “Celebrating the Heart and Hard Work of Professional Secretaries.”
As part of activities marking the week, members of the institute paid a courtesy visit to the hospital’s management team, where they reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, excellence, and continuous support for the growth and advancement of the institution.
Speaking during the visit, the Chapter President of CIPSSON, Mr. Adedayo Oyeniran, said the association had undergone significant transformation from a conventional professional body into a chartered institute backed by the Act of 2022, No. 31 of the National Assembly.
According to him, the new professional structure is designed to reposition secretarial staff as highly skilled office administrative professionals equipped with modern ICT knowledge, research competence, and developmental expertise needed to meet the demands of contemporary workplace administration.
He disclosed that the institute was already engaging with the National Council on Establishments and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to ensure the incorporation of the new professional status into the national Scheme of Service.
Mr. Oyeniran explained that the move would create opportunities for career advancement beyond the existing CONHESS 12 ceiling currently affecting many professional secretarial staff.
He also commended the hospital management for its consistent support over the years and appealed for prompt implementation of the expected circular once officially released.
He stressed that members of CIPSSON in OAUTHC are now better positioned to compete favourably with other professionals, having acquired not only academic qualifications but also practical competence in emerging ICT tools and administrative efficiency.
Addressing concerns over the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in workplace administration, Oyeniran said the institute was committed to embracing AI as a productivity tool rather than allowing it to diminish the relevance of the profession.
“We do not want our profession to be overtaken by Artificial Intelligence. Many professions are already being affected by AI, but we are exploring its benefits for maximum productivity and proficiency.
“We love our profession as secretaries. We are passionate about it and do not want to seek conversion to other administrative cadres. That is why we are seeking support,” he said.
Responding, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi, described professional secretarial staff as critical partners in the hospital’s administrative system.
He noted that their roles remain indispensable in record keeping, organisation, documentation, confidentiality, and the smooth coordination of daily institutional operations.
Prof. Okeniyi urged members not to depend entirely on technology but to see ICT and AI as supportive tools for achieving greater efficiency.
He maintained that a balanced combination of human intelligence, sound character, and technological innovation would always produce better and more reliable results.
According to him, despite the rapid advancement of AI, there are still significant limitations in its ability to fully replicate human reasoning, emotional intelligence, interaction, and creativity.
He therefore urged members of the institute to prioritise continuous self-development and professional growth, noting that such commitment would guarantee sustainable career progression and relevance in the evolving workplace.
He further assured the association of management’s continued support within the provisions of the law.
Other members of the hospital’s top management team present during the courtesy visit included the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Josephine Eziyi, and the Director of Administration, Dr. Ayodeji Bobade.
