NSUK Vice-Chancellor Commends ARNU’s Role in Strengthening Nigeria's University System at 20th Annual Retreat

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has commended the critical role of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) in strengthening the Nigerian University System.

Professor Liman gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill message as a Special Guest at the 20th Annual Retreat and 78th Business Meeting of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU), held at the National Secretariat of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Abuja.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrars occupy statutorily crucial positions in the conception, establishment, nurturing, development, and sustained growth of universities to maturity and beyond. She noted that these responsibilities underscore the Registrar’s pivotal role in preserving academic standards, administrative efficiency, and institutional integrity across Nigerian universities and inter-university centres.

The Vice-Chancellor further applauded ARNU for its foresight in institutionalising annual retreats and workshops, which she said are designed to continuously empower Registrars with new knowledge, innovative ideas, and emerging trends in university administration.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of ARNU, Dr. Bala I. Ahmed II, described the theme of the 2025 retreat “TERAS as Innovative Pathway for Teaching, Research, and Documentation in Nigeria’s Tertiary Education” as timely, apt, and strategic. He observed that in today’s technology-driven global economy, universities are no longer viewed solely as centres of learning, but as hubs for impactful research, innovation, and catalysts for national development.

Dr. Ahmed also informed participants that during a recent foreign education tour to Kenya, Nigerian and Kenyan Registrars agreed to establish a continental umbrella body known as the African Universities Registrars Association (AURA). He disclosed that the current Chairman of ARNU was unanimously elected as the pioneer Chairman of AURA, supported by a five-member steering committee comprising two members from Nigeria and three from Kenya, noting that the development reflects the steady growth and expanding influence of ARNU.

Highlights of the event included a keynote address delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, represented by the Director of ICT, TETFund, Engr. Joseph Odowa. Also featured was a paper presentation titled “University Autonomy in the Face of Economic Downturn: The Survivalist Approach and Advancement Strategies,” presented by Professor Suleiman A S. Aruwa of the Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.