The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has charged members of staff to brace up for major technological changes as the institution embarks on a comprehensive digital transformation drive.
Speaking at the university’s maiden Registry Week, themed “University Administration: The Future is Now,” held at the Distance Learning Institute, Ogunsola said digital readiness is no longer optional for staff in modern university administration.
> “You are surely appreciated, and I want to put you on notice that the university is going through a digital transformation,” she said.
“Nobody is too old or too young to become digital. Computer literacy is the new reading and writing. Without it, you’ll be left behind. The coming months and years will require hard work, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
The VC stressed that institutions that fail to adapt to technological disruptions risk becoming obsolete.
“The world is not waiting for us. It’s changing fast, and any institution or individual that refuses to change gets left behind,” she warned.
Ogunsola commended the Registry Department for its openness to change, urging staff to view transformation as a chance for both personal and institutional growth.
> “Change may be difficult, but it is for our good. As we change, we improve. We become better personally and as a university,” she added.
Highlighting the core values of professionalism, accountability, and excellence, Ogunsola defined professionalism as competence, reliability, and respect in the workplace.
> “You must know your job and be dependable. When things need to be done, you do them. Reliability includes accountability—owning up to your actions. There’s no ‘they’; it’s always ‘we.’”
She further explained that excellence means striving for the highest possible standards in performance and conduct.
“Never settle for less. If it can be done better, that’s what we should choose to do,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded staff that value creation remains central to the university’s mission.
> “People don’t pay for services out of charity. To earn income, we must bring value to the table,” she said, acknowledging the challenges posed by low remuneration but emphasizing that excellence and positive attitude should not depend on pay.
“Our salaries may be low, but we must start where we are and make the best of our positions,” she said.
Ogunsola encouraged continuous learning and teamwork, urging staff not to remain in their comfort zones.
“If you choose not to change, the world will leave you behind. Nothing good comes from staying comfortable. Regret is harder than the effort to improve,” she cautioned.
The Registrar, Mrs. Abosede Wickliffe, applauded the Registry staff for their commitment to redefining administrative excellence, urging them to prioritize innovation, creativity, agility, and accountability.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Lucian Chukwu, emphasized the need for digital literacy, professionalism, and teamwork, while keynote speaker Mr. Akin Lewis underscored the importance of continuous learning, digital skills, and institutional discipline to restore prestige to Nigeria’s university system.
The event also featured the unveiling of Sentinel, the UNILAG Registry’s new publication.
Among dignitaries present were Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olumuyiwa Falaye; former UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahaman Ade-Bello; ex-Registrar Dr. Folasade Ipaye; Prof. Oluwole Familoni; Emeritus Prof. Babajide Alo; and Prof. Duro Oni, former DVC (Management Services).
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
