The immediate past Registrar, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Dr. J. E. T. Babatola has called on administrators and registry staff in world tertiary institutions to ensure effective service delivery culture and make it highly essential for the success of their respective universities.
The University administrator made this submission at the 2025 Registry Public Lecture of the Registry Department, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo held on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025 at the University’s 500-Seater Hall. According to the former Chief Administrative Officer, while delivering the lecture titled, “Sustainable University Administration: E-Governance and Digital Records, Rethinking Registry Services in 21st Century”, noted that effective university administration in Nigeria requires administrative reforms, staff development, and a long-term vision that aligns with economic, social, and environmental goals. This is because the global issues affecting sustainable university administration includes inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and governance issues.
Alayande University Registry to Hold Maiden Annual Public Lecture Tuesday
While identifying the need for a paradigm shift to e-governance, he states, “it is an indisputable fact that university administration are evolving with technological advancements. E-Governance and digital records management are the latest approach towards transforming Registry services and operations in the 21st century university system. E-governance and digital records across institutions have brought development to the institutions. Sustainable university administration in Nigerian universities
therefore requires embracing e-governance and digital records to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in the university system particularly in the Registry”. He submitted that for registry to move forward, all stakeholders must be alive to their individual responsibilities.
“The evolving technological landscape is reshaping registry management in profound ways. From digitization and cloud computing to data analytics and AI, innovative tools are not only improving efficiency but also fostering deeper connections between registry and the university community. Technology in registry management is more than just a series of tools; it represents a crucial shift in the philosophy and approach towards enhancing student experiences and institutional effectiveness.”
In conclusion, he stated that “it is essential for registrars to embrace this transformation and lead the process in the Registry and ultimately in the university to adapt and leverage technology, and to truly understand that in doing so, they are championing the future of higher education governance”.
While declaring the public lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan commended the Registry under the leadership of Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo for the initiative of public lecture.
According to him, “I want to commend the Registrar for starting this important discussion on both academic and administrative matters, and for choosing a topic that goes beyond a routine or ceremonial event. By focusing on digital transformation, record security, automation, interoperability, and sustainable governance, this initiative shows thoughtful and forward-looking leadership. It recognises that the Registry is not just a place for keeping files, but a centre for managing data efficiently, in line with global best practices. This approach gives the Registry a proactive and meaningful role.” “I hope that today’s lecture will not be a one-time discussion, but the start of planned improvements, staff development, and technology-driven processes.”
“The importance of today’s discussion depends on how honestly we face our current situation as this topic requires clear thinking, not comforting stories. If we continue to depend on manual processes, scattered records, and paper-based approvals, we cannot claim to be ready for a modern, knowledge-driven environment. A modern Registry must promote:
automation over routine paperwork, analytics over assumptions,
secure digital archiving over physical storage saturation,
workflow transparency over implied trust, and system-driven compliance over individual discretion. He finally declared the event opened.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Registrar/Secretary to Council, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju Asunmo acknowledged the importance of the registry and urgent need for all registry staff to upscale in the use of digital facilities for ease of work. According to the Chief Administrative Officer, “the theme of today’s lecture, “Sustainable University Administration: E-Governance and Digital Records — Rethinking Registry Services in the 21st Century,” is both timely and thought-provoking. We are all witnesses to the sweeping digital transformation reshaping every facet of human endeavour, education not being an exception. As the administrative nerve centre of the University, the Registry must not only adapt to these changes but also lead the charge in fostering innovation, efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in our operations.” She finally appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olaniyan and other members of the Management team for the enabling environment created for the registry department to thrive.
The Chairman, LOC & Senior Deputy Registrar (Senate, Academic Records and Curriculum), Mr. Rasheed O. Olaosebikan appreciated all for making the public lecture a huge success.
The event which was Chaired by the Chairman/CEO,Tees Hotels and Resorts, Col. E. G. Adegbola who was represented by Prince Barr. Adesokan Phillip Oyedokun was attended by eminent dignitaries including the Arch-Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, former Provost, defunct EACOED, Oyo, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, former Registrars- Mr. Olusegun Olawore and Alh. Teslim L. Adediran, fmr. Ag. Registrar, Mr. Olukunle Ojo, Registrar, Federal College of Education (Sp.) Oyo, Mr. J. A. Araoye, Registrar, University of Ibadan, Mr. G. O. Soliu represented by Mr. Toyin Bankole and participants across various tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Members of the University registry were all elated witnessing the success of the maiden public lecture.
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