The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the maiden Registry Lecture at McPherson University, Mr. Tokunbo Olakunle, has called for a strategic rethinking of university administration in Nigeria. Delivering his remarks at the landmark event held on July 17, 2025, Olakunle emphasized that the lecture series was a bold response to the growing demands of modern university governance.

He began by describing the event as a historic milestone for McPherson University, praising the initiative as a platform that promotes intellectual engagement and professional excellence. “This gathering is not only historic but also symbolic of our commitment as a university to fostering intellectual discourse, administrative innovation, and professional growth,” he stated.

Mr. Olakunle showed the centrality of efficient administration to the success of any academic institution. He noted that while the university remains committed to academic excellence, there must be an equal investment in strengthening the administrative framework. “Our commitment transcends academics; we are intentional about developing administrative systems that support and sustain our institutional goals,” he said.

Addressing the timeliness of the lecture, the LOC Chairman said the rapid evolution of education, governance, and technology made the conversation around administrative reform imperative. According to him, McPherson University launched the Registry Lecture Series to stay ahead of such changes and to prepare its administrative structure for future challenges.

Highlighting the keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Jadesola Tai Babalola, former Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University, he praised the insightfulness of the topic, “Challenges of University Administration in Nigeria and the Registry on a Rescue Mission.” He said the speaker’s address exposed critical administrative bottlenecks in the higher education system and reemphasized the need to reform and empower the Registry, which he described as the “heartbeat of any university’s administrative machinery.”

In addition to Babalola’s lecture, Mr. Olakunle acknowledged the futuristic contribution of Dr. Adesola Falade, who spoke on the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence in university administration. He described Falade’s insights as a wake-up call to embrace technology not just for convenience but as a strategic tool for efficiency and innovation. “Technology, when applied ethically and strategically, can enhance operational efficiency and decision-making,” Olakunle remarked.

He noted that while registry lectures are not new in Nigerian academia, their significance continues to increase. These events, he said, provide valuable space for professional development, capacity building, and the strategic reimagination of administrative roles in universities. He emphasized that McPherson University must continuously equip its Registry with knowledge and tools to remain relevant and effective.

The Chairman concluded by expressing gratitude to the university’s leadership, particularly Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Igbasan, for his unwavering support. He also acknowledged the Acting Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, for his dedication and leadership in organizing the event. He charged all stakeholders to reflect on the insights shared and to remain committed to building an administration that is proactive, ethical, and future-ready.