Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on Friday, 10th October 2025, held the first edition of its Registry Seminar Series in honour of two distinguished ambassadors of the institution who returned from a national assignment: Dr. Zhebu Musa Oliver and Mr. Zamani Habu Ibrahim. The seminar, themed “Servicing Committees and Panels: The Strategic Roles of University Administrators,” took place at the University’s Assembly Hall and drew participation from senior university officials, staff, and guests from sister institutions.
The seminar served as both a platform for professional discourse and a celebration of the honourees’ exemplary service and dedication to the advancement of tertiary institutions ‘ administration and national development.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Fellow UNESCO ACLS, FIIFP, CBER, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Dr. Halima Aliyu Doma-Kutigi congratulated the honourees. She highlighted that the event was an opportunity for reflection, shared learning, and professional development, particularly in strengthening the strategic functions of the Registry in university governance across Nigeria.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the University Registrar, Dr. Bala I. Ahmed II expressed deep appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and support for the Registry. He praised the honourees for their professionalism, national contributions, and dedication to institutional growth. Dr. Ahmed also underscored the Registry’s pivotal role in the broader educational landscape of the state and nation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director of Works, ESV Ibrahim Jibrin Mairiga, Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Ahmed Liman, and the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Mal. Muhammad D. Nasiru all of whom applauded the honourees and encouraged continued commitment to the university’s mission and values.
Dr. Muhammad Jibrin Zakari, Registrar of the Federal Technical College, Keana, commended the initiative of introducing the Registry Seminar Series and urged the university community to embrace legacy-building through dedicated service and innovation.
Responding to the tributes, Dr. Zhebu Musa Oliver who is the immediate past Registrar of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Registry and the university management, acknowledging the collective effort of the team in driving administrative excellence. He encouraged staff to maintain high standards and uphold the university’s core values.
Similarly, Mr. Zamani Habu Ibrahim, the immediate past Registrar of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polythecnic, Lafia, thanked the Registrar for his mentorship and highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration between the University Council and Management. He emphasized teamwork and continuous knowledge-sharing as vital to achieving institutional goals.
In the paper presentation, Dr. Bala I. Ahmed II elaborated on the theme of the seminar, describing committees and panels as the “backbone of decision-making, policy formulation, and governance” within the university system. He noted the Registrar’s role as a linchpin in university administration, serving as Secretary to the Council, Senate, Convocation, Congregation, and all affiliated committees.
He identified key challenges in committee management, such as scheduling, documentation, and effective meeting coordination. To address these, he proposed several strategic reforms, including: Institutionalised governance training for administrative officers; establishment of clear recognition and promotion pathways;
digitisation of committee processes for improved efficiency and record-keeping.
The event was well attended by principal officers, members of the Registry, and other staff of the university. It concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
