Renowned university administrator and former Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University, Dr. J.E.T. Babatola, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s university administration, emphasizing that registries must go beyond clerical duties to become strategic change agents. He made this assertion while delivering the keynote address at the maiden Registry Lecture of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Speaking on the theme “Challenges of University Administration in Nigeria and the Registry on a Rescue Mission,” Dr. Babatola identified bureaucratic inefficiencies, insufficient funding, policy inconsistencies, and outdated administrative practices as major setbacks to effective governance in Nigerian universities. He stressed that university registries must align with global best practices while remaining rooted in the cultural and socio-economic realities of the Nigerian context.

Dr. Babatola highlighted the need for registrars to embrace innovation, strategic planning, and inclusive leadership. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from passive record keepers to active contributors in institutional development, policy management, and academic integrity. “Registrars must lead reforms that foster accountability, transparency, and technological integration,” he said.

The lecture drew a large audience, including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, principal officers, deans, staff, and students. In his opening remarks, Professor Igbasan commended the Registry for the initiative and affirmed the management’s support for ongoing administrative transformation in the university system.

Interactive discussions followed the lecture, where participants posed questions on policy implementation, digital governance, and registry autonomy. Dr. Babatola responded with practical insights, drawing from both local experiences and global models, and encouraged institutions to customize reforms that reflect their unique missions.

The Acting Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, expressed appreciation to the guest lecturer for the thought-provoking discourse and thanked the university leadership for supporting the event. He noted that the lecture series would become a regular platform for shaping the future of university administration.

The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, as Dr. Babatola’s lecture challenged administrators to rethink traditional roles and embrace proactive strategies for restoring excellence to Nigeria’s university governance landscape.