Heads of Internal Audit Departments and Units in Nigerian universities have been urged to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-driven approaches to strengthen transparency, prevent financial leakages, and improve efficiency in institutional financial oversight.
The call was made at the 38th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Departments and Units of Nigerian Universities, held at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham-Georgewill, described the theme, “Revolutionising University Internal Auditing Through Technology and Innovation,” as apt and significant.
Prof Georgewill emphasized that the internal audit plays a critical role in ensuring accountability and credibility in the management of university resources, noting that the adoption of modern audit tools will help institutions align more effectively with global best practices.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emmanuel Ibanichuka stressed the importance of transitioning from manual audit systems to data-driven, technology-enabled procedures.
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Professor Ibanichuka explained that AI, data analytics, and automation have become essential tools for detecting financial irregularities, strengthening oversight, and supporting evidence-based decision-making within the university system.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Auditor-General of Rivers State, Dr Yorkina Christian, encouraged audit professionals to develop practical capacity in digital auditing tools and foster stronger collaboration with ICT units in their respective institutions.
Dr Christian noted that the successful integration of technology into auditing required not only improved systems but also consistent ethical conduct, professional discipline, and sustained capacity development.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Departments and Units of Nigerian Universities, Dr Boniface Woke, stated that the conference was designed to equip practitioners with contemporary competencies for technology- assisted assurance and advisory services.
Dr Woke emphasized that continued peer learning, supportive policy frameworks, and professional training are vital for embedding innovation across audit functions nationwide.
Participants at the conference resolved to promote the use of AI-assisted analytics, strengthen institutional compliance frameworks, and uphold ethical conduct in audit practice, with the overall goal of enhancing transparency, accountability, and financial governance in Nigerian universities.
