Directors of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria have identified poor infrastructure, limited funding, and resistance to change as major obstacles hindering the digital transformation of the country’s higher education system.
This was revealed on Monday during the 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI) held in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Nigerian Tertiary Education through Strategic ICT Leadership,” brought together ICT directors, government officials, and industry experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing digital education in Nigeria.
Chairman of COMDICT-NTI, Daniel Yakmut, noted that while many institutions have adopted ICT tools for virtual classrooms, digital libraries, and administrative systems, the journey toward full digital integration remains hindered by deep-rooted challenges.
He pointed out issues such as inconsistent power supply, limited broadband access, funding constraints, and resistance to change as significant barriers to progress.
Yakmut stated the need for collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability to overcome these challenges.
He called on participants to engage actively in the panel sessions and workshops 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, highlighted the importance of transformative ICT leadership for sustainable tertiary education in Nigeria.
He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in digital infrastructure and pushed administrators to rethink how education is delivered.
Prof. Ishaya pointed out that ICT has become essential for educational resilience and adaptability from virtual classrooms to AI-driven administrative systems.
He called on ICT Directors to see themselves not merely as technocrats but as strategic enablers of educational transformation.
The conference brought together ICT directors from various tertiary institutions nationwide, alongside government officials and industry experts committed to advancing digital education in Nigeria.
