By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian universities to embrace digital transformation to strengthen financial governance, transparency, accountability and institutional efficiency.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said digital technology was critical to modernising university administration and ensuring effective management of financial resources in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Inuwa made the call while delivering a presentation titled, “Strengthening Financial Governance and Risk Management in Nigerian Universities,” at an engagement organised by the Committee of Vice Chancellors Training Institute (CVCTI) at the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) Secretariat, Abuja.
The NITDA boss, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, spoke on the theme, “Financial Technology, Digital Systems and University Financial Management.”
He explained that digital transformation went beyond acquiring computers and other technological tools, stressing that it required fundamental changes in institutional processes, leadership, organisational culture and staff behaviour.
According to him, automated platforms could eliminate administrative bottlenecks, accelerate decision-making and enable multiple stakeholders to review, process and approve transactions simultaneously while maintaining proper records.
“It is not about computers. It’s not about technology. It’s about processes. It’s about people. It’s about culture. It’s about behaviour,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised that successful digital transformation required strong leadership commitment and the willingness of university administrators to abandon outdated practices in favour of more efficient approaches.
Addressing the relationship between university autonomy and financial accountability, he noted that increased funding and institutional independence must be supported by effective financial monitoring, transparent reporting and verifiable records.
He warned that universities’ inability to provide reliable financial information could erode public confidence and undermine the sustainability of their autonomy.
“Our universities have worked hard for the autonomy, but transparency is how it can begin,” he stated.
He added that digital financial management systems would enable institutions to account for allocations, monitor expenditure, track revenue and provide credible information on resource utilisation.
The NITDA boss further identified technology as an important tool for reducing revenue leakages, preventing fraudulent practices, improving financial projections and strengthening internal controls.
He urged universities to leverage Nigeria’s existing digital payment infrastructure and move away from manual financial processes towards integrated and automated systems.
He specifically recommended the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, cashless payment platforms, real-time financial dashboards and continuous audit mechanisms to improve financial oversight and support evidence-based decisions.
Inuwa outlined five critical changes required to modernise university financial management: moving from multiple ledgers to a single source of financial information; replacing cash-based transactions with cashless operations; shifting from after-the-fact audits to continuous assurance; adopting real-time dashboards instead of periodic financial reports; and embracing intelligence-driven management rather than suspicion-based oversight.
However, he cautioned universities against adopting digital solutions without adequate consideration of data protection, cybersecurity, staff capacity and dependence on technology vendors.
He stressed that investments in digital infrastructure must be accompanied by staff training and behavioural changes to ensure effective utilisation.
“An ERP with untrained staff is like an expensive typewriter,” he warned.
Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in the education sector, Inuwa highlighted the agency’s efforts in developing digital frameworks, promoting digital literacy, building capacity, supporting innovation and facilitating strategic partnerships with educational institutions.
He said NITDA was evolving from being merely an IT administrator to becoming an ecosystem enabler by creating platforms and opportunities for institutions, innovators and technology entrepreneurs.
He encouraged universities to collaborate with the agency to develop institutional digital solutions, strengthen staff competencies, improve cybersecurity and automate administrative processes.
As part of the engagement, Inuwa invited Nigerian universities to participate in the forthcoming Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November 10 to 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said the conference would provide opportunities for universities, businesses, government institutions, startups and investors to connect, showcase innovations and explore technology-driven solutions to institutional and national challenges.
The NITDA director-general urged university administrators to take practical steps towards integrating their financial systems, adopting cashless operations and ensuring greater transparency in the management of institutional resources.
He assured them of the agency’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance, frameworks and collaborative support to facilitate the transition from manual operations to efficient, automated and data-driven systems.
He expressed optimism that stronger institutional commitment and strategic deployment of digital technologies would improve governance, enhance service delivery and enable Nigerian universities to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s digital economy.
