By Faith Chondol
The Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) has called for urgent administrative reforms and improved retirement benefits for Registrars and Bursars.
The association made the call at its 4th Annual Workshop and 79th Business Meeting, held from July 6 to 10, 2026, in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Maitama, was themed, “Nigerian Universities in the Era of Technological Transformation: Challenges, Opportunities and Pathways to Sustainable Growth.”
It brought together Registrars from federal, state and private universities, alongside stakeholders from relevant government agencies, to discuss challenges facing university administration and sustainable institutional growth.
Presenting the communiqué, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and Registrar of Bingham University, Mr Daburi Bello Misal, said the meeting focused on strengthening university administration through technology, professionalism and improved governance.
ARNU expressed concern over the exclusion of some Registrars from key administrative responsibilities, particularly the selection of principal officers, and called for greater recognition of their statutory roles in university governance.
The association also kicked against the appointment of non-career administrators to head professional directorates, warning that such practices undermine established career structures within the university system.
It further condemned the proliferation of unofficial titles and offices in Nigerian universities, describing the practice as inconsistent with global administrative standards.
“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 stressed the need for continuous training of university administrators, noting that regular capacity-building programmes would improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness.
The association also raised concerns over indiscipline and weak accountability in the university system, urging Vice-Chancellors and Registrars to work together to address the trend.
“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.
ARNU further demanded improved welfare packages for outgoing Registrars and Bursars, including severance benefits and retirement packages 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.
The association also appealed to the Federal Government to address funding challenges confronting federal universities and urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to take over the sponsorship of foreign education tours for Registrars.
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