Digital disruption demands new skills, mindset for registry workforce – Ipaye
Dr Taiwo Ipaye, a former Registrar of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has urged university administrators to embrace digital transformation by rethinking traditional roles, repositioning capacity and preparing for future realities.
Ipaye made the call on Thursday as a guest lecturer at the Second Registry Lecture Series of the Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.
The lecture had the theme, ‘Digital Disruption and the Registry Workforce: Rethinking Roles, Repositioning Capacity and Building Future Readiness’.
Ipaye described registry as the administrative backbone of every university.
She said that university administrators would remain central to policy formulation, planning, student affairs management, human resource management and institutional development.
“The university system cannot function effectively without the efforts of administrators,” she said.
Ipaye noted that COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption across higher institutions, making virtual platforms and technology-driven systems indispensable for academic and administrative activities.
She also noted that tools such as Zoom, WhatsApp and Telegram, initially adopted as emergency measures, had become permanent features of university operations.
“What began as a crisis response has become the new normal,” the former registrar said.
Ipaye explained that artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing and data analytics were reshaping administrative systems globally and transforming registry functions from manual processes into integrated, data-driven operations.
She said the shift demanded that administrators should assume new responsibilities as digital record managers, systems operators and information governance specialists.
“Employees are now custodians of digital systems and data integrity,” she noted.
Ipaye said that institutional success in the digital age would depend more on workforce capability and adaptability than staff numbers.
She advocated continuous training and strategic partnerships to build digital competencies.
She identified digital literacy, data management, problem-solving abilities and adaptability as essential skills for administrators seeking to remain effective in contemporary higher education environments.
Ipaye expressed concern about widening digital skills gaps caused by rapid technological change, inadequate training and resistance to innovation.
She noted that such challenges could undermine institutional efficiency.
She urged universities to build future-ready registry systems through integrated digital platforms, sound governance structures, sustained investment in technology and continuous human capital development.
“The registry has always been the foundation of institutional administration.
“The future will depend on our ability to embrace innovation, develop digital competencies and prepare our workforce for new administrative realities,” she said.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the event, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun, emphasised that digital disruption had transformed workplaces, making technological competence and adaptability essential requirements for professionals seeking relevance and sustainability.
Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, urged university registry personnel to embrace continuous learning, innovation and emerging digital tools.
She said that future readiness would depend on openness to change, capacity development, and proactive engagement with technology.
She said, “We must remain open-minded, continuously upgrade our skills, embrace innovation and leverage technology effectively to ensure sustained relevance and excellence in today’s rapidly-evolving digital environment.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said that digital disruption had transformed university administration.
He urged university registry personnel to acquire technological skills and embrace innovation to remain productive and professionally relevant.
“To survive in today’s university registry system, professionals must embrace technology, develop relevant competencies, and continuously adapt; otherwise, they risk becoming obsolete in the digital era.” Kolawole said.
The Trinity University Registrar, Mr David Oyejide, said the lecture would foster intellectual engagement and professional growth in Nigeria’s higher institutions of learning.
Oyejide said the lecture reaffirmed registry’s role as the university’s heartbeat, stressing the importance of adaptability, strategic repositioning and unwavering support for institutional development and governance.
“Technology continues to redefine how we live, work and learn; therefore, the registry must anticipate change, embrace innovation and remain relevant.
“The gathering of eminent personalities reflects the growing importance of registry discourse as a platform for scholarly exchange, administrative collaboration and impactful contributions nationwide,” he added.
