In the University, Senate is the highest decision making body on academic matters. The University of Ibadan Act 1962 provides for the functions and composition of the Senate. There are several standing boards/committees of Senate. The guiding principles for Senate meetings are contained in a document referred to as Procedure of Senate. Senate is empowered to regulate its operations to the effect that from time to time, amongst other things; it could set up Ad hoc Committees for defined purposes.

The Senate Secretariat is one of the units/sections in the Academic Affairs Division of the Registry. It is the engine room for the operations of the business of the University Senate. The Senate Secretariat processes papers for the meetings of Senate. Among the standing boards/committees of Senate, it is only the Business Committee and the Committee of Provost, Deans and Directors that is directly serviced by the Senate Secretariat.

The Secretariat is headed by the Senate Officer who is ably assisted by other categories of staff. The Secretariat carries out its functions with the Deputy Registrar (Academic) as immediate supervisor. Specifically, drafts of the following items are prepared by the Secretariat for the Deputy Registrar (Academic) who acts for the Registrar, the Secretary to Senate: agenda, minutes of Senate meetings, decision extracts, action letters etc.

The following documents which relate to the business of Senate are kept in the Secretariat, namely; minutes book, file copies of agenda papers and action letters, attendance lists etc.