Leadership in Higher Education: Ex-UI Registrar Stresses Strategic Role of Registry in University Governance

As Nigerian universities face increasing pressure to modernize and remain globally competitive, Mrs. Olubunmi Faluyi, former Registrar of the University of Ibadan, has advocated for adaptive governance and strategic leadership across tertiary institutions.

Delivering a keynote at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, during its inaugural Registry Lecture Series, Faluyi stressed that Nigerian universities must urgently respond to the evolving landscape of higher education marked by globalisation, funding constraints, and rising accountability standards.

Speaking on “Responding to the Dynamics of Change in University Governance,” she noted that registries must evolve beyond administrative passivity to become active agents of transformation. “Registrars should drive policy execution, innovation, and institutional reform,” she said, adding that the Registry serves as the bridge between academic ideals and functional management.

According to Educa.ng, Faluyi warned against institutional decay caused by politicized appointments and ethnic favoritism. She urged leaders to adopt performance-based standards for promotions and cultivate an inclusive culture of merit and professionalism.

Highlighting key areas such as stakeholder engagement, digital records management, and change management training, she emphasized that strong university governance begins with empowered registries.

The lecture drew representatives from leading institutions, including University of Ibadan, Redeemer’s University, Chrisland University, and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University. Trinity University’s Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Samuel Olatunji, also emphasized that sound governance structures are vital for institutional success.

Participants were encouraged to translate insights into action and prioritize reform-oriented leadership practices that reflect the demands of the 21st-century educational ecosystem.