Alayande varsity registry hosts 2025 public lecture on sustainable university administration and e-governance

By Bukola Hameed 

The immediate past Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Dr. J. E. T. Babatola, has called on administrators and registry staff in tertiary institutions across the world to embrace an effective service-delivery culture as a critical factor for institutional success.

Dr. Babatola made this submission while delivering the 2025 Registry Public Lecture of the Registry Department, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, at the University’s 500-Seater Hall.

Delivering a lecture titled “Sustainable University Administration: E-Governance and Digital Records — Rethinking Registry Services in the 21st Century,” he noted that effective university administration in Nigeria requires strategic reforms, staff development, and a long-term vision aligned with economic, social, and environmental goals. He identified global issues affecting sustainable university administration—including inadequate funding, weak infrastructure, and governance challenges—as factors universities must confront deliberately.

Highlighting the urgent need for a shift toward e-governance, Dr. Babatola stated that technological advancements are reshaping university administration globally.

According to him, e-governance and digital records management have become essential tools for strengthening efficiency, transparency, and accountability, especially within registry operations.

He emphasized that the evolving technological landscape—from digitization and cloud computing to data analytics and AI—has transformed registry management. These innovations, he said, are enhancing university-community engagement and improving overall institutional effectiveness. Dr. Babatola concluded by urging registrars to embrace this transformation, lead the technological shift, and champion the future of higher education governance.

Declaring the public lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, commended the Registry under the leadership of Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo for initiating the lecture series. He praised the choice of topic, noting that it goes beyond routine engagements and reflects forward-thinking leadership. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that modern registries must prioritize automation, data analytics, secure digital archiving, workflow transparency, and system-driven compliance to remain relevant in a knowledge-driven era.

He warned that universities that continue depending on manual processes, scattered records, and paper-based approvals cannot claim readiness for modern administrative demands. He expressed hope that the lecture would mark the beginning of continuous improvements and technology-driven processes within the Registry.

In her welcome address, the Registrar/Secretary to Council, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, underscored the importance of the Registry as the administrative nerve centre of the University. She stressed the need for registry staff to upscale their digital competencies to enhance service delivery. According to her, the theme of the lecture is both timely and necessary, considering the widespread digital transformation shaping global education systems. She expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the management team for providing a supportive environment for the Registry to thrive.

The Chairman of the event, Chairman/CEO of Tees Hotels and Resorts, Col. E. G. Adegbola (rtd.), represented by Prince Barr. Adesokan Phillip Oyedokun, acknowledged the significance of the lecture. The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Senior Deputy Registrar (Senate, Academic Records and Curriculum), Mr. Rasheed O. Olaosebikan, also appreciated all attendees for contributing to the success of the maiden public lecture.

The event attracted eminent dignitaries such as Arch-Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu; former EACOED Provost, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola; former Registrars Mr. Olusegun Olawore and Alh. Teslim L. Adediran; former Acting Registrar Mr. Olukunle Ojo; Registrar, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Mr. J. A. Araoye; and a representative of the Registrar, University of Ibadan, Mr. Toyin Bankole. Participants from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria also graced the event.

Members of the University Registry expressed delight at the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the public lecture.