The former Head of Service, Ogun State, Elder Abraham Olusola Adeyemi, has challenged University Administrators to embrace digital transformation, strengthen accountability and continuously upgrade their professional competencies to build efficient, responsive and future-ready University Administrative system.
Elder Adeyemi gave the charge while delivering the guest lecture at the 3rd Registry Lecture series organised by the Registry Staff Association (RSA), Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, at the 2012 TETFund Hall, with the theme, “Building a Future-Ready Registry: Leveraging Innovation, Accountability and Institutional Excellence.”
Drawing on his over three decades of experience in Registry administration and public service, the former Ogun State Head of Service described the Registry as the heart, memory, and conscience of any institution, emphasising that its effectiveness is fundamental to a University’s overall success and sustainability.
He urged Registry personnel to move beyond conventional administrative practices by embracing digital records management, artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making and efficient online service delivery.
He also challenged them to take greater responsibility for improving institutional processes, promoting transparency and providing responsive services to students and other stakeholders.
“Building a future-ready Registry requires more than financial resources, as it demands a deliberate change in mindset, professional attitudes and workplace practices”, he noted.
He cautioned that innovation without accountability could undermine institutional progress, just as accountability without innovation could result in stagnation.
Elder Adeyemi therefore charged Registry staff to build on the University’s achievements and leave behind an administrative legacy defined by efficiency, integrity, transparency and excellence.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, described the Registry as a strategic partner in University development, noting that its responsibilities extended beyond routine administrative functions to encompass institutional stability, continuity, coordination and good governance.
He identified the Registry’s critical responsibilities to include staff recruitment and development, students’ admission and records, examinations and graduation, statutory meetings, policy implementation, records management, personnel administration and official correspondence.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that the quality of administrative services provided by the Registry had a direct bearing on the University’s reputation, operational efficiency and capacity to achieve its vision and mission.
He consequently urged Registry personnel to demonstrate professionalism, creativity, responsiveness and accountability in the discharge of their duties, identifying punctuality, regular attendance, integrity, confidentiality and teamwork as essential requirements for effective service delivery.
Prof. Oladipo also encouraged members of the Association to strengthen their digital and administrative competencies, keep abreast of emerging developments and embrace practical innovations that would make administrative processes more efficient, transparent and results-oriented.
While acknowledging the enormous responsibilities entrusted to Registry personnel, he reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting the Association and its members through professional development, welfare initiatives and institutional encouragement, within available resources and established administrative frameworks.
ProfOladipo, however, charged them to reciprocate Management’s support through discipline, hard work, commitment and measurable contributions to the University’s development.
Earlier, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, and Patron of the Registry Staff Association, Mr. Oladapo Oke FCIA, MNIM, FISN, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Registry personnel to the University’s administrative operations, describing their collective efforts as essential to institutional growth and stability.
He noted that the Registry occupied a central position in the University’s administrative structure, making professionalism, integrity, accountability, efficiency and dedication indispensable to its effectiveness.
Mr. Oke commended Registry staff for their contributions to admissions, examinations and records, personnel administration, Senate affairs, Convocation activities, official correspondence and other administrative assignments. He urged them to sustain continuous learning, timely service delivery and cordial working relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Registry Staff Association, TASFUED Chapter, Mr. Niyi Oye Olaitan, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to professional development and institutional excellence, describing the third edition of the lecture series as evidence of the growing relevance of the initiative.
He explained that the Registry’s responsibility for safeguarding institutional records, protecting administrative processes and supporting Council and Senate required sound judgement, professionalism and a thorough understanding of contemporary developments in University administration.
Mr. Olaitan appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support for staff welfare and professional development, particularly within his first six months in office. He also reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to the Vice-Chancellor’s STAR-WIN Agenda, assuring him of the Registry’s continued support for his vision and aspirations for the University.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of McPherson University, Mr. Oyedepo Olubayowa Joseph, a former Registrar of the University of Ilorin, who is currently on sabbatical at McPherson University, congratulated the Association on the successful organisation of the lecture.
He described the theme as timely and relevant, observing that higher Education Institutions must continually respond to emerging demands through effective governance, innovative practices and improved service delivery.
He also commended TASFUED for providing a platform for reflection, knowledge sharing and professional development, expressing confidence that the lecture would inspire practical approaches to strengthening university administration.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to five retired Registry staff members in recognition of their meritorious service to the University. The recipients were Mrs. Titi Ogunyemi, Mr. Felix Awah, Mr. Julius Oyeyemi, Mrs. Adedayo Alade and Mrs. Folashade Adejia.
The lecture formed part of the Association’s 3rd Registry Staff Week Celebration, which featured other activities, including a courtesy visit by the Association’s leadership to the Vice-Chancellor in his office and a cocktail reception attended by members of the University Management and Registry personnel.
The event attracted members of the University Management, Registry staff, guests, representatives of sister institutions, student leaders and other members of the University Community.