University registrars in Nigeria have been urged to move away from traditional, paper-based administrative roles and evolve into tech-driven leaders to position higher education for the digital age.

The call was made at the second Registry Lecture Series hosted by Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address titled: ‘Digital disruption and the registry workforce: Rethinking roles, repositioning capacity, and building future readiness’, former Registrar, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Taiwo Ipaye, said the future of institutional administration depends on the willingness to innovate.

Ipaye noted that when registrars combine the strength of their professional tradition with the opportunities provided by modern technology, the registry will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education.

“The responsibility before us is to build a registry workforce that is adaptable, digitally competent, and prepared to support the evolving needs of higher education. It is this transformation that will shape our future,” she said.

She stated that digital disruption is not merely a technological shift, but a workforce transformation challenge.

Ipaye pointed out that while manual, paper-based systems historically provided structure and discipline, they are rapidly being replaced by automation, cloud computing, and data-driven platforms.

She warned that a widening gap between current administrative skills and modern technical competencies could undermine the benefits of this digital shift if left unaddressed.

To achieve future readiness, she recommended a comprehensive strategy that includes developing clear workforce transformation plans, investing in staff upskilling and reskilling, strengthening institutional digital infrastructure, and implementing flexible change management and robust digital governance frameworks.

The Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said the registry workforce must embrace new digital competencies, enhance their analytical and problem-solving abilities, and adopt a more proactive approach in leveraging technology to improve academic processes and learning outcomes.

Kolawole noted that modern digital tools allow administrators to track institutional progress and retrieve data instantly.

In his welcome address, Registrar, Trinity University, David Oyejide, said the lecture series came at a time when technology continues to reshape the way people live, work, and learn.

“We are challenged to rethink our roles, reposition our strategies, and embrace innovation in order to remain effective custodians of institutional records, processes, and governance,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun, who was the chairman of the occasion, said technology has already reshaped the workplace, and the critical question is how prepared professionals are to leverage these tools to improve service delivery and foster a culture of lifelong learning.

Arulogun said registry professionals must cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and innovation.