Ogunruku advocates digital transformation for Registry operations in Nigerian varsities

By Tajudeen Babamale

A former Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Mr Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku, has called on the Registry Unit of the University of Ilorin and other universities across Nigeria to urgently transition from fragmented systems to fully integrated digital platforms in line with 21st-century demands.

Mr Ogunruku made the call last Tuesday (April 28, 2026) while delivering a lecture, titled “Leveraging Technology for Registry Operations: Automating Processes to Improve Efficiency” at the 2026 Annual Registry Lecture of the University of Ilorin held at the University Auditorium.

The renowned University administrator described the modern university as a dynamic, competitive, and globally oriented institution that is no longer an ivory tower, saying that it requires speed, efficiency, and proactive governance.

According to him, the Registry, as the administrative engine house, must evolve from being a passive recorder to an active driver of institutional processes through the deployment of appropriate technology.

Mr Ogunruku, who is also a former Registrar of Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), identified manual operations as a major impediment to efficiency, noting that they encourage red-tapism, typified by the “come-back tomorrow” syndrome, foster institutional lethargy, and widen the gap between digitally savvy students and paper-dependent administrative systems.

Speaking on emerging standards, the former Registrar said that modern Registry operations must prioritise compliance and user experience, particularly in meeting the expectations of Gen-Z students.

He explained that this requires strict adherence to global and local data protection frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, alongside the adoption of mobile-first platforms that make services like registration and transcript processing seamless.

The former Registrar maintained that leveraging technology is no longer optional for Nigerian universities but a strategic necessity for achieving global relevance. He added that the focus must shift from “searching for files” to “analysing data” to drive informed decision-making and institutional competitiveness.

Mr Ogunruku outlined key recommendations, including the adoption of an Integrated Registry Information System (IRIS) to unify student, staff, and Senate records; systematic digitisation of legacy documents using proper indexing and metadata standards; and the institutionalisation of automated processes for transcripts, payments, and result approvals to reduce human interference and corruption risks.

On infrastructure, the former Registrar advocated stronger ICT systems supported by reliable power supply and broadband connectivity, alongside regular audits of Registry operations tied to measurable performance indicators.

While commending the University of Ilorin for its progress in digital administration, particularly its use of databases for admissions and records, adoption of Management Enterprise Solutions (MES), and presence on the Nigeria Education Repository Data Bank (NERD), he challenged the institution to advance towards a full “Registry 4.0” ecosystem.

Declaring the lecture open, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, commended the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, for his efforts in building a smart and technology-driven Registry for the institution.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the Registry Unit remains a critical component of University administration, adding that capacity-building lectures of this nature expose staff to best practices, emerging digital trends, and quality assurance standards necessary for efficient service delivery in a modern university system.

The Vice Chancellor also congratulated the Registrar on his third year in office, expressing appreciation for his efforts in advancing a smart Registry system at the University of Ilorin and wishing him continued success in office.

In his welcome address, the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, on his continuous support for the Registry Unit, noting that his three years in office have been marked by steady progress and visible improvements in administrative operations.

Mr Alfanla attributed the achievements in the Registry to the Vice Chancellor’s consistent backing, particularly in budget implementation and staff development. He mentioned the recent capacity-building initiatives, including training organised in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) in Lagos, which he described as a major milestone in strengthening administrative efficiency and preparing staff for modern University management.

Speaking on developments within the Registry under his stewardship as the 7th Registrar of the University, Mr Alfanla explained that several processes are now automated. He explained that admission processes are fully automated, while promotion letters for CONTISS 14, 15, Readers, and Professors are generated immediately after Council approval. He added that confirmation of appointments, promotions, and other official letters are now typically processed within 24 hours of Council meetings.

He pledged that the Registry would continue to improve in minutes generation and timely documentation of Council and committee decisions, with the aim of achieving full automation. He expressed optimism that these reforms, driven by increased technology adoption, would further enhance service delivery, while reaffirming his commitment to the University’s Vision 1:10:500 by 2028 and sustained progress in staff welfare, promotions, and institutional development.

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of an award to a retired Deputy Registrar, Mrs. Muibat Adeola Egbewole, in recognition of her meritorious service to the Registry and the University at large.