UNIOSUN Registry Lecture: Don Calls For Digital Revolution In University Administration

The Registry of universities has been urged to move beyond its traditional role as the custodian of institutional records and take a leading role in driving digital transformation, innovation and effective governance in tertiary institutions.

A Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote lecture at the 5th Registry Annual Lecture of Osun State University (UNIOSUN).

The lecture, held at the University School Auditorium, was themed: “Upholding the 21st Century Technological Trend in University Administration: The Registry at its Pivotal Role.”

Aderounmu said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, blockchain and digital governance, were no longer futuristic concepts but essential tools for modern university administration.

He said the focus should no longer be on whether universities should embrace technology, but on how best to deploy it to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and preserve institutional values.

“The Registry is often described as the administrative heartbeat of a university, and this lecture series demonstrates a commendable commitment to continuous learning, innovation and professional development,” he said.

The don observed that traditional administrative practices involving paper files, manual approvals, physical archives and face-to-face processes were becoming inadequate in the modern university system, as students and other stakeholders increasingly demanded faster, more efficient and transparent services.

He explained that artificial intelligence could be deployed to automate repetitive tasks, respond to routine enquiries, analyse institutional data and support administrative decision-making.

However, he stressed that AI should complement rather than replace Registry personnel.

“AI should be viewed not as a replacement for Registry staff but as a tool that improves productivity and allows professionals to concentrate on work requiring judgement, policy interpretation and human interaction,” Aderounmu said.

He urged university Registries to take the lead in digitising Senate and Council documents and other administrative processes, including transcript requests, admissions, staff documentation, graduation clearance and approvals.

According to him, digitisation would not only enhance efficiency but also preserve institutional memory, safeguard information and ensure continuity in university administration.

Drawing from the experience of OAU, Aderounmu said digital transformation was achievable in Nigerian public universities when supported by strong leadership, collaboration and sustained commitment.

He, however, identified inadequate ICT infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, unstable electricity supply, limited funding and cybersecurity threats as some of the major challenges confronting universities.

He therefore called for continuous staff training, effective change management and increased investment in cybersecurity and data governance.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mr Charles Adeleye, commended UNIOSUN for sustaining the annual lecture, describing the Registry as a critical component of university administration.

Adeleye said every sector of the university must embrace technology, noting that manual administrative processes were gradually becoming obsolete.

“Everything about us has to be computer compliant. Every sector. Is it our mission? Is it the students’ affairs? Even the students’ affairs have to be digital,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adebooye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Development, Professor Morufu Olayiwola, commended Aderounmu for the lecture and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuous learning and technological advancement.

“Learning is a continuous thing. We will continue to learn,” Adebooye said.

The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the university had paid 50 per cent of salary arrears to its staff, while students had concluded their examinations ahead of the forthcoming convocation.

The event also featured the presentation of the Best Registry Staff Award for 2025, which was won by Mrs Esther Odediran.