Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji Holds Second Registry Retreat, Emphasises Digital Transformation and Professional Excellence

The Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, professional development and improved administrative efficiency following the successful hosting of its Second Registry Retreat.

The retreat, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the institution’s 1,500-capacity Multipurpose Auditorium, focused on the theme, "Enhancing Digital Skills and Professional Excellence in Registry Practice for Polytechnic Education in the 21st Century."

The event brought together principal officers, Registry personnel and other stakeholders to examine emerging trends in modern Registry administration, the importance of digital skills, effective records management, professional ethics and the need for continuous capacity development in tertiary institutions.

The Head of Service of Ondo State, Chief Segun Odusanya, delivered the keynote address at the retreat, describing the theme as timely and relevant to the realities of the rapidly changing educational environment.

According to him, the increasing influence of technology on institutional administration makes digital competence essential for professionals working in modern tertiary institutions.

Chief Odusanya, however, stressed that technology alone could not guarantee administrative excellence, noting that the effectiveness of digital transformation ultimately depends on the competence, adaptability and commitment of the people operating the systems.

He therefore urged Registry personnel to continually develop their digital skills and professional competence to enable them to respond effectively to the changing demands of tertiary institution administration.

The Head of Service commended the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, particularly the Registry Department, for embracing digital transformation in pursuit of the institution’s vision and mission. 

He encouraged Registry staff to remain committed to excellence and urged them to always "Do your best and be the best."

Speaking on the theme of modern Registry administration, the outgoing Registrar of the institution, Mr. Gabriel Adeyemi Awe, delivered a lecture titled "Modern Registry in Polytechnic Education."

He highlighted the opportunities presented by digital innovation in the management, preservation and retrieval of institutional records, particularly within the Registry Department. 

Mr. Awe emphasised the limitations of manual record-keeping, noting that information is often lost when records are handled manually. He therefore called for the adoption of more efficient digital systems to ensure proper preservation, accessibility and management of institutional records.

He identified intentionality, continuity, regular training by Management and adequate government funding as important factors required for the successful adoption and sustainability of digital practices within the Registry.

Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku, in his welcome address, stressed the need for the Registry Department to fully embrace digital transformation in the 21st century.

The Rector said modern Registry professionals must be lifelong learners who continually update their knowledge, skills and digital competencies in response to changing administrative demands. 

He maintained that the future of Registry practice belongs to professionals who are ready to learn, adapt and innovate while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Dr. Ebeloku therefore urged Registry personnel to regard the retreat as more than a formal gathering, but as a call to action and an opportunity to acquire knowledge that could be translated into practical improvements in Registry operations.

He also commended the outgoing Registrar for introducing the e-Appraisal System for the 2026 Annual Appraisal Evaluation Exercise. 

According to the Rector, the digital appraisal initiative had significantly reduced the burden and cost associated with producing traditional manual appraisal forms.

He assured participants of the institution’s continued commitment to strengthening the capacity of its workforce and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during the retreat towards improving service delivery to staff, students and other stakeholders.

The guest lecturer and current Registrar of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, Dr. Popoola Julius Oluseye, also delivered a presentation titled "ICT Tools for Registry Efficiency."

Dr. Popoola explained the benefits of using ICT tools in Registry operations, including faster completion of tasks, improved data accuracy, easier access to information, enhanced security of records and more efficient use of office space through electronic storage of files and documents.

He also emphasised the importance of seamless interdependence among various Registry units to ensure efficient service delivery. 

According to him, the appropriate application of ICT tools in Registry administration can significantly improve efficiency, productivity and accuracy.

Another presentation, titled "Student Records and Registry Operations," was delivered by the Deputy Registrar, Division of Academic Affairs, Mr. Oluyemi Bamidele Adebiyi.

Mr. Adebiyi explained that effective student records management provides reliable information for decision-making while supporting accountability, continuity, institutional planning and efficient service delivery. 

He noted that properly managed student records are particularly important during audits, investigations, accreditation exercises and management reviews.

He added that accurate data on student enrolment, academic programmes, admission trends, completion rates, withdrawals and academic performance could assist Management in making informed decisions concerning staffing, facilities, budgeting and the introduction of future academic programmes.

The final lecture of the retreat, titled "Ethics, Confidentiality and Professional Conduct in Public Service," was delivered by the Deputy Registrar, Division of Council Affairs and General Administration, Mr. Rasaq Ola Adebayo.

Mr. Adebayo emphasised the importance of sound work ethics, confidentiality and professionalism in ensuring productivity and effective service delivery in the public sector. 

He explained that a high level of professionalism promotes public trust, cooperation and compliance, while poor professional conduct could contribute to delays, corruption and loss of confidence in public institutions.

He further noted that the progress and sustainability of any organisation depend largely on the ethical values, trust, accuracy and confidentiality maintained by its workforce.

The well-attended retreat also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to individuals recognised for their contributions and support to the Registry Department.

Among those honoured were the Head of Service of Ondo State, Chief Segun Odusanya; the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Dele Adesanmi; the Rector of the institution, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku; the guest lecturer, Dr. Popoola Julius Oluseye; the Managing Director of Pathgate Resources Ltd., Mr. Patrick Akinsipe; the Chief Executive Officer of BANDEF Foundation, Mr. Bankole Desmond-Eke; and the outgoing Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Adeyemi Awe.

Six Registry personnel were also recognised with Awards of Excellence in various categories for their commitment, diligence, innovation and professionalism.

The award recipients were: 

Mr. Damilola Ayodeji Akintunde, Senior Assistant Registrar, Division of Academic Affairs, who received the Outstanding Administrative Performance Award of Excellence. 

Mr. Festus Boluwatife Ogunruku, Senior Assistant Registrar, Rector’s Office, who received the Outstanding Head of Unit Award of Excellence. 

Mr. Ayodeji Daniel Olugboyega, Assistant Registrar, Division of Personnel Affairs, who received the Outstanding Innovative Award of Excellence. 

Mrs. Effiong Edet Ekpenyong, Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary, Registrar’s Office, who received the Outstanding Confidential Secretary Award of Excellence. 

Mr. Kehinde Daramola, Principal Executive Officer I, Division of Academic Affairs, who received the Outstanding Executive Officer Award of Excellence. 

Miss Taiwo Mercy Akintunde, Assistant Chief Clerical Officer, Registrar’s Office, who received the Outstanding Clerical Officer Award of Excellence.

The Second Registry Retreat attracted principal officers of the institution and other dignitaries from within and outside the Polytechnic community.

The event provided an avenue for Registry professionals to examine the changing demands of modern tertiary institution administration while highlighting the importance of technology, professional development, effective records management, confidentiality and ethical conduct.

The successful conclusion of the retreat further reaffirmed the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji’s commitment to digital transformation, continuous professional development and excellence in Registry practice.

The institution also reiterated its determination to strengthen administrative systems and provide efficient, responsive and professional services to its staff, students and other stakeholders in line with its strategic objectives.