The Vice-Chancellor of the most prestigious University in Nigeria, Covenant, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, has advised university administrators to embrace technological and process innovations to remain relevant in the current scheme of things.

The Vice-Chancellor gave this advice at the 1st Covenant University Annual Registry Training, on Thursday, in Canaanland, Ota; with the theme: "Essential Skills for the 21st Century University Administrator." The three-day training which began on Wednesday, and ended on Friday, attracted both on-site and online participants from other academic institutions in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the VC said that the institution was delighted to hold the capacity-building training for administrators as the success and future of any university depends on its workforce, quality, as well as skills development.

"University administrators should be proactive in embracing innovation, efficient concepts, and development of technical skills competence that would make them relevant in this 21st century," he said.

Adebayo said that the role of the registry of any university cannot be overemphasized, as they are the engine room that drives the administrative functions of the university. He insisted that anyone who was not ICT compliant would not be able to survive in any university or be globally competitive.

Giving her opening remarks at the event, the Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Regina Tobi-David, said that the maiden edition of the 1st Registry Training was to enhance the technical competence of the participants and expose them to global best practices. She reiterated that the institution has a strong mind to raise a new generation of leaders.

"Our mission is primarily to create knowledge and restore the dignity and bastardized image of the black race," she said.

The Keynote Speaker of the event, Mr Ayorinde Ogunruku, pointed out that the administrators of the 21st century must invest in their own growth and relevance. He added that they must stay abreast of globally accepted best practices cognizant of the emerging trends and expectations.

"Universities need to invest more and increase their budgetary provisions for ICT, including increase in bandwidths and uninterrupted power supply," he said.

Ogunruku stressed the need for those at the helm of affairs to engage more positively in mentoring the next generation to ensure positive continuity of the age-long University values and culture of excellence.