NITDA DG Urges Universities to Adopt Digital Systems for Financial Transparency

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged Nigerian universities to embrace digital transformation to strengthen financial transparency, accountability and institutional efficiency.

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 in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of NITDA’s Special Duties Directorate, Dr Aristotle Onumo, the DG said technology-driven financial management was critical to improving governance structures and ensuring that university resources were properly managed.

Speaking on the theme, “Financial Technology, Digital Systems and University Financial Management,” Inuwa explained that digital transformation goes beyond acquiring computers and software, stressing that it requires fundamental changes in institutional processes, leadership, organisational culture and staff behaviour.

He said automated financial platforms could eliminate administrative bottlenecks, facilitate faster decision-making and enable multiple stakeholders to process and approve transactions simultaneously while maintaining accurate 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.

Addressing university autonomy and financial accountability, Inuwa noted that institutional independence and increased funding must be matched with effective financial monitoring, transparent reporting and verifiable records.

He warned that universities unable to provide reliable financial information risk undermining public confidence and the sustainability of their autonomy.

“Our universities have worked hard for the autonomy, but transparency is how it can begin,” he stated.

The NITDA chief further explained that digital financial management systems could help universities monitor allocations and expenditure, track internally generated revenue, minimise financial leakages, prevent fraudulent practices and strengthen internal controls.

He encouraged university administrators to move away from manual financial processes by adopting enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, cashless payment platforms, real-time financial dashboards and continuous audit mechanisms.

Inuwa outlined five critical transitions 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 retrospective audits to continuous assurance; replacing periodic financial reports with real-time dashboards; and adopting intelligence-driven management instead of suspicion-based oversight.

However, he cautioned against adopting digital solutions without adequate consideration for data protection, cybersecurity, staff capacity and vendor dependency.

He stressed that investments in digital infrastructure must be accompanied by staff training and behavioural change to ensure effective utilisation of technology.

“An ERP with untrained staff is like an expensive typewriter,” he said.

Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to supporting digital transformation across Nigeria’s education sector, Inuwa highlighted the Agency’s efforts in developing digital frameworks, promoting digital literacy, building institutional capacity, supporting innovation and facilitating strategic partnerships.

He explained that NITDA was evolving from its traditional role as an IT administrator into an ecosystem enabler, creating opportunities for institutions, innovators and technology entrepreneurs to contribute to the country’s digital development.

He consequently encouraged universities to collaborate with the Agency in developing institutional technology solutions, strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital competencies and automating administrative processes.

As part of the engagement, Inuwa invited Nigerian universities to participate in the 2026 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition scheduled to hold from November 10 to 12 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said the conference would provide opportunities for universities, government institutions, businesses, startups and investors to showcase innovations, establish partnerships and explore technology-driven solutions to institutional and national challenges.

The NITDA DG concluded by urging university administrators to take practical steps towards integrating their financial systems, adopting cashless operations and strengthening transparency in the management of institutional resources.

He expressed confidence that strategic deployment of digital technologies, institutional commitment and effective partnerships would improve governance, enhance service delivery and position Nigerian universities to contribute more effectively to the nation’s digital economy.