Universities Must Ditch Manual Financial Systems For Digital Solutions – NITDA DG

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged Nigerian universities to embrace digital transformation as a strategic pathway to strengthen financial governance, transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The DG made the call while making a presentation on “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.

Speaking on the theme, “Financial Technology, Digital Systems and University Financial Management,” Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of the Special Duties Directorate, Dr Aristotle Onumo, emphasised that the effective application of technology in university administration goes beyond acquiring digital tools, requiring a fundamental transformation of institutional processes, leadership, organisational culture and individual behaviour.

Highlighting the potential of digital systems to eliminate administrative bottlenecks and accelerate decision-making, he explained how automated platforms could enable multiple stakeholders to review, process and approve transactions simultaneously while maintaining proper records and accountability.

He stated that “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 stressed that successful digital transformation requires leadership commitment from the highest level, alongside a willingness to rethink established practices and embrace more efficient ways of working.

Addressing the relationship between university autonomy and financial accountability, the NITDA boss observed that increased funding and institutional independence must be accompanied by stronger mechanisms for financial monitoring, transparent reporting and verifiable records.

He cautioned that the inability of institutions to provide reliable financial information could undermine public confidence and threaten the sustainability of the autonomy they enjoy.

While maintaining that digital financial management systems would enable universities to account for allocations, monitor expenditure, track revenue and provide credible information on how resources are utilised, he said, “Our universities have worked hard for the autonomy, but transparency is how it can begin.”

He further noted that technology could help institutions minimise revenue leakages, prevent fraudulent practices, improve financial projections and strengthen internal controls.
Drawing attention to the opportunities already available within Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem, Inuwa encouraged universities to leverage existing digital infrastructure and transition from manual financial processes to integrated, automated systems.

He explained that the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, cashless payment platforms, real-time financial dashboards and continuous audit mechanisms would give university management a comprehensive view of their financial operations and support evidence-based decision-making.

Inuwa identified five critical shifts required to modernise university financial management: moving from multiple ledgers to a single source of financial information; transitioning from cash-based transactions to cashless campuses; moving from after-the-fact audits to continuous assurance; replacing periodic financial reports with real-time dashboards; and shifting from suspicion-based oversight to intelligence-driven management.

The DG, however, cautioned institutions against adopting technology without adequate consideration of data protection, cybersecurity, staff capacity and vendor dependency.

He urged university administrators to ensure that digital solutions are secure, sustainable and responsive to their institutional needs, while investing in the necessary skills and competencies to maximise their benefits.

Emphasising that staff training and behavioural change must complement investments in digital infrastructure, he asserted 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 role in developing frameworks, promoting digital literacy, building capacity, supporting innovation and facilitating strategic partnerships with educational institutions.

He noted that NITDA was transitioning from being merely an IT administrator to becoming an ecosystem enabler, creating platforms and opportunities for institutions, innovators and technology entrepreneurs to thrive.

Highlighting the importance of partnerships in accelerating digital development, he encouraged universities to work with NITDA in developing institutional solutions, strengthening digital competencies, improving cybersecurity and automating administrative processes in line with their respective needs.

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

He explained that the conference would provide a platform for universities, businesses, government institutions, startups and investors to connect, showcase innovations and explore technology-driven solutions to institutional and national challenges.

Concluding his presentation, Inuwa urged university administrators to take practical steps towards integrating their financial systems, adopting cashless operations and making their financial activities more transparent and accountable.

He reiterated NITDA’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance, frameworks and collaborative support to help universities move from manual processes to efficient, automated and data-driven systems.

He expressed optimism that through effective partnerships, institutional commitment and the strategic deployment of digital technologies, Nigerian universities could strengthen their governance structures, improve service delivery and contribute more meaningfully to the country’s digital economy.