“The UI Registry is the Central Nervous System of the University,” VC Reaffirms

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp has described the Registry as the central nervous system of the university 

He made this remark at the 2026 Registry Discourse which was organized by the Registry of the University of Ibadan. 

Professor Adebowale asserted that the Registry is the custodian of university records, the engine of its policies, and the first point of contact for its stakeholders. 

He attributed the continued relevance of UI to its strong foundation, dynamic architecture and its innovative registry which has over the years enabled the university to soar. 

The VC acknowledged the discourse as a strategic convergence of minds and not a routine administrative briefing, saying it offers an opportunity to engage in a critical examination of the Registry, a very important unit of the university system.

He described the theme of the discourse, "Reboot, Recharge, Revitalize: Reigniting Innovation in University Administration," as a clarion call, noting that it is an urgent prescription for any institution that aspires to set the pace for the 21st-century university system in Nigeria and beyond.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the challenges of public universities, from funding constraints and global competition to the digital revolution and the changing expectations of students and society, asserting that these demand that we look inwards and ask ourselves a difficult question: Is our administrative engine running at optimal capacity?

Professor Adebowale described the Guest Speaker, Dr. Taiwo Ipaye, a former Registrar of the University of Lagos as an astute administrator who understands the peculiarities of the university environment, the weight of tradition and the imperative of change, expressing confidence that she would share from practical wisdom gleaned from years of front-line experience.

The Registrar, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu, JP, fspsp, FNIM in his welcome address reiterated that the Registry is the custodian of institutional memory, describing it as the engine room upon which the academic enterprise rests.

He disclosed that the annual Registry Discourse was established with a clear purpose to create a structured, intellectually stimulating environment where administrative professionals can interrogate their practice, sharpen their skills, exchange knowledge and chart a course for a more effective and responsive university administration. 

The Registrar charged participants to see the discourse as a leverage and an opportunity to be challenged to become agents of change and urged them to network, share knowledge freely, saying the collective strength of university administrators is built on mutual growth.  

The Guest Speaker, Dr Taiwo Folasade Ipaye, FNIM, examined the concept of Reboot, Recharge, and Revitalize to reignite innovation in order to ensure greater operational efficiency.

She explained that reboot means to start anew or create a new version, adapt to new challenges or shake off stagnation; recharge means to regain energy or spirit; to inspire and invigorate afresh by injecting fresh energy and, revitalize means to give new life or energy to something, making it active through improvement, renewal and a boost of motivation. 

Dr Ipaye shared from personal experiences at the University of Lagos, where she served as Registrar to illustrate the concepts and drew the attention of participants, who were drawn from public and private institutions across the nation, particularly southwestern Nigeria to current realities, while sharing strategies for re-igniting innovation in university administration. 

She urged the participants to take personal responsibility for their relevance, growth and contribution to institutional excellence. 

The discourse was marked by a celebration of excellence where some retired staff of the UI Registry were presented with awards of excellence. 

Elder I.C. Nwogwugwu, who retired from the university 20 years ago was an awardee, while Mr. Egbodofo, an Executive Officer and Mr. Diyaolu, a former Records Officer were presented with post humous awards.

Mr. O.M. Alao, a Principal Assistant Registrar and Mr. S. Uche, a staff on the Executive Cadre were also presented with Meritorious Service Awards at the discourse.

Courtesy: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION