A foremost and seasoned University Administrator, Dr. Jadesola Babatola, has thrown his weight behind the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as a viable solution to the funding challenges facing Nigerian Universities.
Dr. Babatola, the Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, gave his endorsement during the 2nd Registry Lecture organised by the Registry Staff Association, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun.
Dr Babatola’s lecture was titled, “Maximising Worker Productivity in a Distressed Economy”.
Dr. Babatola emphasized that the enormous costs associated with running a University underscored the necessity of private sector involvement, payment of requisite fees, and research grants to sustain Higher Education.
“Fees charged by Nigerian Institutions are not at par with global standards thus the low ladder the country has in the world webometrics indices”, he noted.
The former Registrar at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, Ondo thereafter advocated for the adoption of international best practices, including student loans that are repaid after graduation.
Dr. Babatola proposed several strategies to enhance productivity within Universities, drawing from global practices. These include fostering partnerships across departments to encourage innovation and collaborating with industries for practical solutions and funding.
The guest lecturer also called for continuous training to improve teaching and research skills, personalised and project-based learning to engage students, leveraging technology to streamline operations, and rewarding innovation and quality improvements.
For Universities in Developing Economies, Dr Babatola stressed the importance of vocational training, microfinance support for graduates, and promoting digital literacy. He also called for agricultural training and performance-based incentives to boost productivity and drive economic recovery.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Babatola highlighted the need for clear goal-setting, a supportive work environment, and investment in skills enhancement to maximize worker productivity in a distressed economy.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, the Director, Directorate of Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance, Prof. Jimoh Owoyele, praised the Registry Staff Association for its dynamic innovations and commitment to capacity development.
He expressed admiration for the lecture’s theme, acknowledging the distressed state of the country’s economy and calling on Nigerians to collaborate with the Government in finding solutions to enhance productivity.
The Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr Dapo Oke, emphasized the need to establish core values aligned with global academic standards and societal roles.
Mr. Oke highlighted the current administration’s focus on professionalism, continuous professional development, and administrative reforms.
“Despite limited resources, he noted that the University has maintained regular salary payments, staff promotions, and IT proficiency among Administrators”.
Mr Oke also called on TASUED staff to uphold the values of the University and work together to build a brighter future where Education empowers future generations.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Registry Staff Association, Mr. Ganiyu Olukade, commended the University’s Management for its commitment to staff capacity development.
He noted the importance of the lecture’s topic in light of the current economic hardship in the nation.
Mr Olukade stressed the need for strategies to maintain productivity and support workers’ morale and mental health during these challenging times.
The event was attended by Registry Staff from various institutions, including the University of Benin, Edo State; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye; Ogun State College of Health and Applied Sciences, Ilese and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, amongst others.