Varsity Registrars Warn Against Administrative Irregularities

The Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s university administration, demanding for improved retirement benefits for Registrars and Bursars, and an end to the appointment of non-career administrators to head key professional directorates.

The association made the demands in a communiqué issued at the end of its 4th Annual Workshop and 79th Business Meeting held from Monday, 6 July to Friday, 10 July 2026, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja.

The workshop, themed, “Nigerian Universities in the Era of Technological Transformation: Challenges, Opportunities and Pathways to Sustainable Growth,” brought together Registrars from Federal, State and private universities, as well as stakeholders from relevant government agencies.

Reading the communiqué, the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and Registrar of Bingham University, Abuja, Mr Daburi Bello Misal, said the meeting focused on strengthening university administration through technology, professionalism and improved governance practices.

ARNU raised concerns over the exclusion of some Registrars from key administrative responsibilities, particularly in the selection of principal officers, stressing the need to recognise their statutory roles in university governance.

The body also condemned the proliferation of unofficial titles and offices within the university system, describing them as inconsistent with established administrative structures.

“The Meeting observed with concern the proliferation of inappropriate and irregular nomenclature within the Nigerian University System, such as Personal Assistants, First Ladies, and Special Assistants, among others, which are inconsistent with established career structures and global best practices,” the communiqué stated.

On capacity development, ARNU emphasised the importance of continuous training for university administrators, noting that “regular capacity-building programmes significantly improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness.”

The association further warned that poor discipline and weak accountability remain challenges within the university system, calling for stronger collaboration between Vice-Chancellors and Registrars.

“Impunity and indiscipline have been observed to be endemic in the system as is the case in Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officers and Registrars are expected to work as a team to stem the tide,” ARNU stated.

The association called for improved welfare packages for outgoing Registrars and Bursars, including retirement benefits that recognise their contributions to university development.

“Improved welfare packages, including severance benefits, should be provided for served-out Registrars and Bursars to retire with life salaries just like that of Professors upon completion of their tenure as it is obtainable with other professionals,” the communiqué added.

ARNU also appealed to the Federal Government to address funding challenges facing federal universities, while urging TETFund to take over sponsorship of foreign education tours for Registrars.