ARNU Demands Payment of 35% Salary Arrears, Rejects Non-Career Registrars.

Registrars Warn Against Appointing Outsiders as University Administrators.

The Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government to pay the outstanding arrears from the 35% salary increase approved for non-teaching staff. The registrars warn that the agreement with SSANU must be honored without further delay.

This demand was among several key resolutions passed during ARNU's 4th Annual Workshop and 79th Business Meeting, held from July 6 to 10 at the NUC Auditorium in Abuja. The week-long gathering brought together registrars from federal, state, and private universities to chart the future of university administration in an era of rapid technological change.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, Daburi Bello Misal, Registrar of Bingham University and Chairman of the Communique Committee, emphasized that the government should implement the salary increment effective from January 1, 2026.

Strong Opposition to Non-Career Appointments

In a significant move, the registrars voiced strong opposition to the appointment of non-career administrators as university registrars. They called on the National Universities Commission and other regulatory bodies to standardize professional cadres and eliminate irregular offices that have crept into the university system.

The association frowned upon the proliferation of unofficial titles such as Personal Assistants, First Ladies, and Special Assistants, describing these positions as inconsistent with established career structures and global best practices.

Protecting Administrative Integrity:

ARNU insisted that academic staff should no longer be appointed to head non-academic directorates, including Academic Planning, ICT, Sports, and Works and Physical Planning. The association argues that such appointments undermine the professional administrative cadre.

The registrars also expressed concern about their growing exclusion from statutory responsibilities, particularly in the selection of principal officers in some universities. They maintained that sidelining chief administrative officers weakens institutional governance.

Welfare and Retirement Benefits:

The association demanded improved welfare packages for retiring registrars and bursars, urging authorities to establish a post retirement framework with sustainable benefits comparable to those enjoyed by retired professors.

Other key resolutions included:

· Addressing the persistent underfunding of federal universities

· Digitizing registry operations through integrated human resource systems

· Implementing data protection policies in line with Nigerian law

· Strengthening collaboration between vice-chancellors and registrars.

ARNU also urged TETFund to sponsor foreign educational tours for members to expose them to global best practices in university administration. The association reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and excellence in university governance.