The 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI), themed “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigerian Tertiary Education through Strategic ICT Leadership,” brought to light the critical challenges and opportunities facing the digitalization of Nigeria’s higher education system. Directors of Information and Communication Technology from various institutions across the country convened in Abuja to address the pressing need for a technologically advanced and accessible educational landscape. The consensus among participants was that while progress has been made in integrating ICT tools into virtual classrooms, digital libraries, and administrative systems, significant obstacles remain. These impediments include poor infrastructure, reflected in inconsistent power supply and limited broadband access, alongside funding constraints and resistance to change within institutions. These issues pose a significant threat to the realization of a fully integrated digital education system in Nigeria.
Despite these acknowledged challenges, a strong sense of optimism and determination permeated the conference. The chairman of COMDICT-NTI, Daniel Yakmut, emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability as key drivers for navigating these obstacles and securing a digitally advanced future for Nigerian tertiary education. The conference itself served as a platform for fostering this collaborative spirit, providing opportunities for participants to share insights, learn from both global best practices and local success stories, and develop actionable roadmaps for institutional change. Yakmut urged attendees to actively engage in the various panel sessions and workshops, recognizing the crucial role of shared knowledge and partnerships in shaping the future of Nigerian education.
Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the urgency of embracing digital transformation in Nigerian tertiary education. He emphasized that Nigeria must not lag behind in the global shift towards data-driven campuses and that transformative ICT leadership is essential for creating a sustainable higher education system. This leadership, he argued, is crucial for facilitating the transition from traditional teaching methods to modern, technology-driven approaches. Ishaya highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic as a stark reminder of the existing gaps in digital infrastructure, forcing institutions to rapidly adapt and rethink their educational delivery models. The pandemic, while disruptive, underscored the vital role of ICT in maintaining educational resilience and adaptability, demonstrating the power of virtual classrooms and other technology-driven solutions.
Ishaya further stressed the critical need for institutional commitment, policy innovation, digital inclusion, and capacity building to drive this digital transformation. He advocated for institutional leadership to recognize ICT not merely as a support service, but as a strategic driver of educational advancement. Digital literacy, he argued, should be considered a fundamental competency in 21st-century education, equipping students with the essential skills to navigate an increasingly digital world. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of collaborating with tech companies and international partners as a key strategy for building robust and resilient ICT systems within Nigerian tertiary institutions. This collaborative approach would facilitate access to expertise, resources, and best practices, accelerating the pace of digital transformation.
Beyond technical expertise, Ishaya challenged ICT directors to embrace a broader leadership role, envisioning themselves not just as technocrats, but as strategic enablers of educational transformation. This entails building innovative teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and championing digital transformation across all facets of their institutions, including faculties, departments, and student communities. He emphasized the importance of empowering faculty and students with the necessary digital skills and fostering a culture that embraces technological advancements. This shift in mindset, coupled with strong leadership, would ensure that technology effectively serves the educational goals of the institutions.
The conference, attended by ICT directors from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria, along with government officials and industry experts, represented a significant step towards realizing the vision of a digitally transformed tertiary education system. The collective commitment of these stakeholders, coupled with the insights shared and the strategies discussed, holds the potential to overcome the existing challenges and pave the way for a more accessible, innovative, and globally competitive higher education landscape in Nigeria. The conference underscored the need for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and strategic investment in ICT infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership development to ensure that Nigeria’s tertiary education system effectively prepares its students for the demands of the 21st century.
