Directors of Information and Communication Technology from tertiary institutions across Nigeria have identified poor infrastructure, funding constraints, and resistance to change as major impediments to the digital transformation of the country’s higher education system.
This was disclosed at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, which was held on Monday in Abuja with the theme, “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigerian Tertiary Education through Strategic ICT Leadership.”
Speaking at the event, Chairman of COMDICT-NTI, Daniel Yakmut, said that although many institutions had adopted ICT tools for virtual classrooms, digital libraries, and administrative systems, the journey toward full digital integration remained hindered by deep-rooted challenges.
“While we have made strides in adopting ICT for virtual classrooms, digital libraries, and e-administration systems, significant gaps still persist,” Yakmut said. “We are faced with challenges like inconsistent power supply, limited broadband access, funding constraints, and resistance to change, which hinders progress.”
He emphasised that despite these barriers, the digital future of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector could be secured through collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“This conference is our collective opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities within our institutions, learn from global best practices and homegrown success stories, and design actionable roadmaps for change,” he added.
Yakmut called on participants to engage actively in the panel sessions and workshops lined up for the conference, noting that shared insights and partnerships would be crucial in shaping the future of Nigerian education.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, stated that Nigeria must not be left behind in the global shift towards data-driven campuses. “Transformative ICT leadership is crucial for sustainable tertiary education in Nigeria, enabling a shift from traditional teaching methods to modern, technology-driven approaches,” he said.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many institutions, exposing gaps in digital infrastructure and pushing administrators to rethink how education is delivered.
“From virtual classrooms to AI-driven administrative systems, ICT has become the lifeblood of educational resilience and adaptability,” he added.
Ishaya also emphasised the importance of institutional commitment, policy innovation, digital inclusion, and capacity building.
“Leadership at the top must recognise ICT as a strategic driver, not a support service… Digital literacy should be seen as a foundational competency in 21st-century education,” he stated, adding that collaboration with tech companies and international partners would be key to building resilient systems.
He called on ICT Directors not to see themselves merely as technocrats, but as “strategic enablers of educational transformation.”
According to him, “you must build teams that innovate, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and become champions of digital transformation across faculties, departments, and student communities.”
The conference brought together ICT directors from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide, alongside government officials and industry experts committed to advancing digital education in Nigeria.
