KEY POINTS

• Universities must embrace digital tools for efficiency and fraud prevention.  
• Digital transformation enhances research exposure and global competitiveness.  
• Institutions should invest in staff training and digital policies to overcome challenges.  

Ajayi Crowther University’s Registrar, Dr. Jadesola Babatola, has called on university administrators across Nigeria to adopt digital transformation in their administrative processes.

He emphasized that this move would enhance job efficiency, reduce fraud in admission procedures, and elevate institutions to global standards.  

Babatola delivered these remarks during a workshop organized by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators at the University of Port Harcourt.

His presentation highlighted the benefits of digital tools in streamlining processes such as student registration, result processing, staff welfare, and financial management.  

Boosting administrative efficiency

Babatola stressed the importance of replacing outdated manual systems with digital platforms to improve overall efficiency in university operations.

“Digitalization has redesigned communication processes for work and learning, allowing hybrid modes of engagement from anywhere,” Babatola said.

According to Punch, he further pointed out that digital infrastructure, combined with robust cybersecurity measures, would enhance the effectiveness of university administrative tasks.  

He also noted that digitalization would provide exposure to academic research through online platforms, facilitating the creation and exchange of knowledge, which is critical for global competitiveness.  

Impact of the pandemic  

The registrar acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital solutions, fostering an environment where skills in secretarial services, information management, and data science have become essential for effective governance.

He encouraged universities to embrace digital technologies that simplify both academic and administrative tasks.  

Despite the limitations posed by the initial costs of adopting digital technologies, Babatola urged institutions to invest in staff training, improve digital literacy, and develop comprehensive digital policies to overcome these challenges.

He stated, “The future of higher education lies in digitalization, and universities must adapt to remain competitive on a global scale.”