REGISTRY BEST PRACTICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND COMPARATIVE INSIGHTS FROM NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract: The university Registry serves as the central administrative hub of higher education institutions, ensuring integrity in records, governance, and communication. In Nigeria, however, confidentiality breaches, weak problem-solving, inconsistent ICT adoption, and communication lapses have raised questions about its effectiveness. This study examined the relationship between four domains of Registry best practices—confidentiality, problem-solving, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge, and communication—and effective university administration. A correlational survey design was employed, involving a stratified sample of 596 Registry staff drawn from a population of 1,978 in the South-South geopolitical zone. Data were collected using the Registry Personnel’s Best Practices and Effective Administration Questionnaire (RPBPEAUQ), validated by experts and confirmed reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79). Pearson Product-Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level revealed that confidentiality (r = .972, p < .001), problem-solving (r = .372, p < .001), and communication (r = .624, p < .001) were significant predictors of effective administration, while ICT knowledge (r = .839, p = .387) was not independently significant. Confidentiality, though the strongest predictor, was weakly practiced (mean = 2.29), exposing systemic vulnerabilities. These findings support Institutional Theory by illustrating a contradiction between highly visible but low-yield practices and critical yet weakly applied ones. The study recommends enforceable confidentiality protocols, structured communication systems, problem-solving capacity building, and ICT governance frameworks. Strengthening these domains will enhance professionalism, rebuild trust, and secure the Registry’s role as the institutional core of Nigerian universities. Keywords: Confidentiality; Problem-Solving; Communication; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Higher Education Governance; University Registry; Nigerian Universities. Title: REGISTRY BEST PRACTICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND COMPARATIVE INSIGHTS FROM NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES Author: Edho, O. G., Akpotu, N.E, Asiyai R. I International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning ISSN 2394-9686 Vol. 12, Issue 5, September 2025 - October 2025 Page No: 1-9 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 04-September-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17053031 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/REGISTRY%20BEST%20PRACTICES%20AND%20ADMINISTRATIVE-04092025-1.pdf