By Bamidele Eleniola
Innovation, ethical leadership and efficient service delivery took centre stage as no fewer than 35 administrators from the Prestigious Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), alongside participants from other universities across Nigeria, attended the 2026 Annual Registry Lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) to explore strategies for strengthening university governance and administrative excellence.
The 15th annual event, organised by the FUTA Registry, brought together university administrators and other stakeholders from higher institutions across Nigeria to examine emerging trends in higher education management and explore strategies for improving governance and administrative efficiency.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Hope Eghagha, who was former Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State and Professor of English Literature and Literary Analysis at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), delivered the lecture titled, “Quality or Quantity: Rethinking Higher Education Administration in 21st Century Nigeria.”
The former Commissioner challenged policymakers, university administrators and other stakeholders to prioritise quality, innovation and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s higher education system to meet global standards.
The prolific creative writer also urged administrators to uphold ethical standards, embrace digital transformation and strengthen institutional accountability through effective leadership and efficient records management.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Temidayo Oladiji, FAS, said university administrators remain central to the achievement of institutional goals, stressing that the rapidly changing higher education environment demands innovation, integrity and continuous learning.
The first female VC of FUTA, Professor Oladiji, urged the administrators to embrace technology-driven administrative processes, strengthen accountability and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
The FUOYE ANUPA Chairman, Dr. Dominic Olugbamiye, described the Annual Registry Lecture as an important platform for building the capacity of university administrators. He said the programme would enhance productivity, improve administrative efficiency and expose participants to emerging trends and best practices in university governance.
He commended the FUTA Registry for sustaining the initiative and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective institutions.
The FUOYE ANUPA Chairman appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, and the Registrar of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Mr Mufutau Adesina Ibrahim, for their support and ensuring that the administrators are well trained.
“University administrators are ready to work with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision and mission in order to take FUOYE to its greater heights,” the Chairman added.
Speaking after the lecture, a Deputy Registrar who is also an Administrative Secretary, College of Medicine, FUOYE, Mr Olusola Taiwo, advised administrators to embrace continuous learning and professional development, noting that valuable knowledge can be gained from colleagues, subordinates and professionals across different sectors. He stressed that effective leadership requires humility and a willingness to keep learning regardless of one’s position.
Mr Taiwo further emphasised the importance of punctuality, discipline, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility, describing them as essential qualities for improving institutional effectiveness and sustaining quality service delivery within the university system.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and networking sessions, expressing appreciation to FUTA for sustaining a programme that continues to promote professional development and strengthen university administration in Nigeria.
The event was expertly anchored by the FUTA Registrar, Mr Charles Olusegun Adeleye, while the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Temidayo Oladiji, who chaired the lecture, presided over an engaging question-and-answer session that further enriched discussions.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of certificates of participation after the annual lecture and award of excellence to some individuals who have contributed to national development
Photo credit: Bamidele Eleniola
