Ajayi Crowther University Registrar Urges Administrators to Embrace Digitization for Enhanced Efficiency
Dr. Jadesola Babatola, the Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, Nigeria, urged university administrators nationwide to adopt digitization in their administrative processes during a workshop at the University of Port Harcourt.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
On September 25, 2024, Dr. Jadesola Babatola, the Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, Nigeria, emphasized the urgent need for university administrators nationwide to adopt digitization in their administrative processes. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators at the University of Port Harcourt, Babatola highlighted that embracing digital transformation could enhance job efficiency, combat admission fraud, and position institutions favorably for global recognition and ranking.
During his presentation on the benefits of digitalization in university administration, Babatola pointed out that integrating digital solutions into administrative tasks is vital for replacing outdated manual systems that hinder efficiency. He noted significant improvements in processes such as student registration, result processing, staff welfare, and financial management through digital means.
“Digitalization has redesigned communication processes for work and learning, allowing for hybrid modes from the comfort of home when the office or classroom is difficult to reach,” Babatola stated. He emphasized the importance of establishing robust data infrastructure and cybersecurity to ensure effective execution of administrative tasks.
Babatola also discussed the transformative impact of digitalization since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created opportunities for skill acquisition in areas like secretarial services, information management, and data science. He reiterated that these skills are essential for promoting good governance and improving administrative operations within universities.
“Digitalization simplifies secretarial work and academic processes, providing greater exposure for scholars’ research through online platforms. It fosters new ideas, facilitates faster knowledge dissemination, and enhances institutions’ visibility on the global stage,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by digital technologies in administrative processes, Babatola called for the development of comprehensive digital policies, investment in staff training, and enhancement of digital literacy to overcome these obstacles. He concluded that digitalization is the pathway for universities aiming to boost operational efficiency and achieve global competitiveness.
