End Financial Leakages, Embrace Digital Systems, NITDA Tells Nigerian Universities

Inuwa said the adoption of digital technologies in university administration would advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to technology-driven institutional reforms, sustainable development and improved public service delivery.

The NITDA Director-General 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 Secretariat of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Financial Technology, Digital Systems and University Financial Management,” Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, stressed that digital transformation goes beyond the acquisition of computers and technological tools, requiring fundamental changes in institutional processes, leadership, organisational culture and staff behaviour.

He explained that properly deployed digital systems could eliminate administrative bottlenecks, accelerate decision-making and improve accountability by enabling multiple stakeholders to review, process and approve transactions simultaneously while maintaining accurate and verifiable 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 stated.

He emphasised that successful digital transformation must be driven by strong leadership commitment, particularly at the highest levels of university administration, alongside the willingness to abandon outdated practices and embrace more efficient operational models.

Addressing the relationship between university autonomy and financial accountability, the NITDA boss maintained that increased funding and institutional independence must be matched with effective financial monitoring, transparent reporting and reliable record-keeping.

He warned that universities’ inability to provide credible financial information could erode public confidence and undermine the sustainability of the autonomy they have worked hard to secure.

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

According to him, digital financial management systems would enable universities to properly account for government allocations, monitor expenditure, track internally generated revenue and provide verifiable information on how institutional resources are utilised.

He added that technology-driven financial operations would help minimise revenue leakages, prevent fraudulent practices, improve financial forecasting and strengthen internal control mechanisms.

Highlighting opportunities within Nigeria’s expanding digital payments ecosystem, Inuwa encouraged university authorities to move away from manual financial procedures and embrace integrated, automated systems.

He identified Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, cashless payment platforms, real-time financial dashboards and continuous audit mechanisms as critical tools for providing university management with a comprehensive picture of their financial operations and supporting evidence-based decisions.

The NITDA chief outlined five major shifts required to modernise financial management in Nigerian universities.

These include moving from multiple ledgers to a single source of financial information; transitioning from cash-based transactions to cashless campuses; replacing after-the-fact audits with continuous assurance; moving from periodic financial reports to real-time dashboards; and shifting from suspicion-based oversight to intelligence-driven management.

However, he cautioned university administrators against adopting digital technologies without adequately addressing data protection, cybersecurity, staff capacity and vendor dependency.

He urged institutions to ensure that their digital solutions are secure, sustainable and tailored to their operational requirements, while investing in staff training and the development of relevant digital competencies.

Emphasising the importance of human capacity in achieving successful digital transformation, he remarked that, “An ERP with untrained staff is like an expensive typewriter.”

Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to supporting the digital transformation of Nigeria’s university system, Inuwa highlighted the Agency’s efforts in developing enabling frameworks, promoting digital literacy, building capacity, supporting innovation and facilitating strategic partnerships with educational institutions.

He explained that NITDA was evolving from its traditional role as an IT administrator into an ecosystem enabler, creating platforms and opportunities for institutions, innovators and technology entrepreneurs to thrive.

He therefore encouraged universities to strengthen collaboration with the Agency in developing institutional digital solutions, improving cybersecurity, enhancing staff competencies and automating administrative processes based on their individual needs.

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

He described the conference as an important platform for universities, businesses, government institutions, startups and investors to connect, showcase innovations and explore technology-driven solutions to institutional and national challenges.

Inuwa concluded by urging university administrators to take practical steps towards integrating their financial management systems, adopting cashless operations and ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the management of institutional resources.

He reiterated NITDA’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance, policy frameworks and collaborative support to assist universities in transitioning from manual administrative procedures to efficient, automated and data-driven systems.

He expressed optimism that sustained institutional commitment, effective partnerships and strategic deployment of digital technologies would strengthen governance structures in Nigerian universities, improve service delivery and position the institutions to make greater contributions to the country’s digital economy.