As Nigeria’s higher education system confronts calls for modernization and global competitiveness, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, has convened stakeholders to reflect on the changing demands of university administration.
This came during the maiden edition of the McPherson University Registry Lecture Series, themed “Challenges of University Administration in Nigeria and the Registry on a Rescue Mission.” The event, held at the institution’s campus on Monday, attracted participants from tertiary institutions across the country both physically and virtually.
The Registry, often described as the administrative engine room of any university, plays a pivotal role in maintaining order and structure in academic and non-academic operations. These include student admissions, records management, staff recruitment, examination coordination, and overseeing official university documentation. It also provides critical support to governing bodies such as the Senate and Governing Council.
Against this backdrop, the lecture aimed to address a pressing question: How can registry staff evolve to meet the dynamic challenges of 21st-century university governance?
Delivering the keynote, the guest speaker, former Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University and current Deputy Registrar of Ekiti State University, Dr. Jadesola Tai Babatola challenged university registries to break away from outdated practices. He said registries must evolve beyond being passive bureaucratic hubs to becoming proactive agents of transformation within institutions.
Babatola harped on the importance of stakeholder engagement, digital records management, and robust change management training.
“Strong governance in universities begins with registries that are technologically driven and committed to continuous manpower development,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Francis Igbasan, in his welcome remarks, praised the strength and professionalism of the university’s registry. “Despite being a young and fast-rising institution, McPherson has built a registry deeply rooted in tradition and due process,” he said, reiterating the university’s commitment to staff capacity building.
Also speaking to Adamimogo FM, the Acting Registrar of McPherson University, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Tokunbo Olakunle, described the lecture as timely and impactful. They emphasized that such conversations are crucial to repositioning university administration in Nigeria.
The event featured representatives from various institutions across Nigeria, members of McPherson University’s leadership including Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Olatunji Okesola, and several other dignitaries.
Participants were urged to translate the lessons from the lecture into actionable strategies, and to embrace reform-minded leadership that meets the evolving needs of the modern academic landscape.
