University of Ibadan Retiring Registrar Advocates Technology-Driven University Administration

A retiring Senior Deputy Registrar at University of Ibadan, Stella O. Soola, has described administration as the foundation of a successful academic environment, stressing that effective governance remains critical to the stability and growth of universities.

She made the remarks while delivering her valedictory lecture to mark her retirement from the institution after 28 years of service.

The lecture, titled “Twenty-Eight (28) Years in the Nation’s Premier University’s Registry: The Travails, the Trials and – Praise God! – the Triumphs,” reflected on her career journey and the evolving nature of university administration.

According to Stella O. Soola, university administration often operates quietly behind the scenes but remains indispensable to institutional effectiveness and academic continuity.

She noted that her years in service afforded her the opportunity to contribute to several administrative and policy reforms, particularly in the interpretation and implementation of university statutes, council resolutions, and senate decisions.

The retiring administrator explained that the enforcement of institutional policies and procedures helped promote transparency, fairness, merit, and consistency within the university system.

She also highlighted the gradual transition from manual administrative processes to digitised records and electronic workflow systems, describing the shift as a major step toward improving efficiency, preserving institutional memory, and strengthening data integrity.

Despite the progress made, she observed that outdated technology continues to slow down critical operations such as transcript processing, information management, and communication within many institutions.

She therefore called for increased investment in modern administrative tools, mobile registration systems, user-friendly digital interfaces, and integrated university management platforms capable of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.

While advocating the adoption of technology, Stella O. Soola cautioned that digital systems should complement — not replace — sound judgement, ethical leadership, and institutional values.

Reflecting on her career progression, she recalled rising from the rank of Administrative Officer in 1997 to Senior Deputy Registrar, describing the journey as one shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and dedication to service.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, described the retiring administrator as a loyal, hardworking, and dependable officer whose contributions significantly impacted the university registry.

He commended her endurance and commitment over nearly three decades of service and wished her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the university, Ganiyu O. Saliu, praised her dedication to institutional development, administrative reforms, and the promotion of transparency and fairness in university governance.

He noted that her contributions to policy standardisation and digital transition initiatives had strengthened operational efficiency and institutional continuity within the registry.