The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has emphasized the pivotal role of strategic ICT leadership in accelerating digital transformation within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Delivering a goodwill message at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI), Abdullahi said that leadership, rather than technology alone, will determine the success or failure of digital transformation initiatives in education.
“The foundation of any meaningful digital transformation lies in effective ICT leadership. It is not just about infrastructure or devices—it is about visionary people who can drive policies, manage resources, and inspire innovation within our institutions,” he stated.
The conference, themed “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigerian Tertiary Education through Strategic ICT Leadership,” aligns closely with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2021–2024), which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the NITDA boss, tertiary institutions must move beyond isolated tech deployments and adopt integrated, leadership-driven strategies that reflect the evolving needs of the knowledge economy. He commended COMDICT-NTI for recognizing this need and creating a platform for directors of ICT to exchange ideas, evaluate progress, and chart a way forward.
Abdullahi outlined NITDA’s contributions to the sector, including the establishment of digital centres, ICT hubs, and various capacity-building efforts aimed at equipping students and faculty with relevant digital skills. He also noted the success of the IT Projects Clearance mandate, which ensures that public sector ICT projects are transparent, secure, and cost-effective.
“This gathering is more than an annual routine. It’s a crucible for thought leadership and collaborative action that can redefine the future of education in Nigeria,” he added.
He assured stakeholders that NITDA will continue to work hand-in-hand with tertiary institutions to build smart campuses, deepen digital literacy, and create resilient education systems that support Nigeria’s long-term development.
Abdullahi concluded by applauding COMDICT-NTI for its vision and dedication, expressing confidence that the conference would yield practical strategies for transforming Nigeria’s higher education landscape through ICT.
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