Research Team Explores Effective Report Writing and Expands Horizons at Radio and TV Stations.

MASTER MINUTES AND REPORT WRITING WITH DR. BARNABAS ABESADU

In the pursuit of enhancing professional skills, a recent meeting was organized with a clear objective: to equip researchers from Zankli Research Centre with the necessary training on minute-taking and the art of crafting reports.

 

Dr. Barnabas Abesadu who is the Senior Deputy Registrar in charge of the Senior Staff Establishment of Bingham University, started the meeting with a preamble about the functions of the Establishment Unit which includes appointment, promotion, and discipline of staff. He added that the Unit is responsible for the custodian of all files of the staff in the University.

Dr. Abesadu giving a brief understanding of report writing and minute taking during the session.

 He highlighted that the primary function of an Administrator is minute writing, report writing, and memos.  He added that ‘To become a competent administrator, one must have a good knowledge of report writing and be proficient in taking down minutes.’

 

Minute Writing.

 

Dr. Abesadu stated that there are various steps in writing minutes that must be followed appropriately and in an orderly fashion. These steps are:

1.      Notice of meeting

This first step is carried out prior to the meeting. The notice must be accompanied by the date of the meeting, the time of the meeting, where the meeting will take place and the agenda of the meeting to take place.

2.      In writing a minute, one must ensure that it is not wordy but captures everything important.

3.      A minute should be in sections. The section highlights more steps to work with and it includes:

·         Title of the meeting

·         Numbering and paragraphing of the minute

·         Opening prayer

·         Opening remark by the chairperson

·         Minutes from the previous meeting if there was any must be tackled with at this point to remind and emphasize on previous essential points. This was then followed by the adoption of the previous meeting. However, if it is a first meeting, there will be no need to discuss the previous minute.

·         Matters arising is the next step. This involves discussing the businesses of the meeting.

·         Substantive items and discussions

·         Closing remark

·         Adjournment of the meeting

·         Closing prayer

 

                                                                 Report Writing

As it pertains to report writing should have a preamble, an introduction, or a justification.  The features of any report should be well-defined.

Dr. Abesadu stated that there are certain things to keep in mind when writing a report, these are:

1. Reports must not be lengthy but must contain straight-to-the-point essential information.
2. Names and designation of people in the meeting.
3. Reports must be specific.
4. It should be broken down into steps.
5. Dr. Abesadu stated some report comes with a request: “prayer for Action” especially when writing a report to a superior.
6. Approval requests and signatures must be at the bottom of any report.

The session ended with Questions and Answers.

 

L-R: Florence, Umoti, Dr. Abesadu, Gracious, Aminu

VISIT TO BINGHAM’S RADIO AND TELEVISION STUDIO

 

As our visit unfolded, we were pleasantly surprised when Miss Joy Akor who is one of the radio presenters extended an unexpected invitation. She graciously invited us to participate in an upcoming live radio discussion focused on health matters. The prospect of sharing our insights on such an important topic through the university's radio platform filled us with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Nonetheless, we eagerly accepted the invitation, recognizing the opportunity to not only contribute but also learn firsthand from professionals in the field.

The team was given a tour of the Tv Studio

Thereafter we proceeded to the Tv Station where we looked at the types of equipment. Our guide at the Station, Mr. Jay invited us sometime when there would be a live production.

 

As we wrap up these experiences, we do so with gratitude for the opportunity to learn. We eagerly await the upcoming radio discussion, where we'll have the chance to contribute to a broader conversation on health.

The team looking at some of the equipment.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting radio adventure, writing blogs, and reporting as we continue to grow as Researchers.

A group photograph with Joy and the Team

Written by: Aminu Haruna, Musa Umoti Yakdum, Florence Daniel Ojotule Bahuyak, Gracious Adalci

Edited by Andrew Oguntolu, Communication Officer, ZRC/LIGHT Consortium