The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has identified cyber insecurity as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s financial sector amid the rapid growth of digital transactions.
Offiong made the observation on Tuesday during the opening of the Second International Conference on Cybersecurity and Accountability (ICCA-2026), organised by the university’s Department of Accounting in Calabar.
The conference, themed “Cybersecurity and Accountability: Bridging the Gap between Technology and Governance,” examined emerging cybersecurity risks affecting financial systems and the need for stronger professional accountability.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Eneji, the Vice-Chancellor said the increasing adoption of electronic payments and digital financial services had created new opportunities for cybercriminals.
He urged accounting professionals to develop the skills required to detect cyber threats, investigate fraudulent activities and contribute to stronger cybersecurity solutions.
According to him, accountants must expand their expertise beyond traditional financial reporting to effectively respond to modern digital risks affecting businesses and financial institutions.
Offiong described the conference as an important platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening professional capacity and building partnerships among academics, industry experts and technology practitioners.
He encouraged the Department of Accounting to continue organising initiatives that promote research collaboration and practical solutions to cybersecurity challenges.
The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Prof. Ezekiel Ebitu, also called for sustainable strategies to address Nigeria’s increasing cybercrime concerns.
Ebitu urged participants to consider cybersecurity from different perspectives, including national security, economic stability, technology development and ethical responsibility.
He noted that cyber threats now affect not only financial institutions but also individuals, businesses and public systems.
The Acting Head of the Department of Accounting, Dr Kechi Kankpang, described the conference theme as timely, stressing that digital transformation had increased risks surrounding financial data, online transactions, privacy and accountability.
Kankpang called for closer cooperation between universities, accounting professionals and technology experts to develop effective measures against emerging cyber threats.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Joseph Duke, said cybersecurity had moved beyond being an exclusive concern of information technology departments and had become essential to maintaining financial confidence and public trust.
Duke emphasised the importance of stronger institutions, effective regulatory frameworks and well-trained professionals to protect Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.
Participants at the conference highlighted the need for accountants, auditors and technology specialists to work together in tackling cybersecurity threats and improving accountability in the digital economy.
