24/08/2026
Cyber Insecurity, Major Threat to Accounting Profession — UNICAL VC
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has identified cyber insecurity as a major threat to the accounting profession and the financial sector in Nigeria.
Prof. Offiong stated this at the Cross River Community Hall, UNICAL, while declaring open the Department of Accounting’s 2nd International Conference on Cybersecurity and Accountability (ICCA-2026), with the theme, “Cybersecurity and Accountability: Bridging the Gap between Technology and Governance.”
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Eneji, the Vice Chancellor noted that cyber insecurity was becoming an increasing concern for accounting professionals and the financial sector, particularly as financial transactions continued to shift to mobile and other electronic platforms.
He stressed the need for accountants to acquire the skills required to identify cyber threats, trace fraudulent activities and provide effective solutions to emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Prof. Offiong also suggested that the technical skills employed by cybercriminals could be redirected towards positive purposes, particularly cybersecurity and national financial protection, describing the idea as thought-provoking and deserving of further study.
He described the conference as an important platform for exchanging ideas, enhancing professional knowledge and fostering networking for the advancement of the accounting profession and the university system.
The Varsity helmsman encouraged the Department of Accounting to sustain the initiative, noting that the conference theme addressed the future of finance and the growing impact of technology on the profession.
The Acting Dean, Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Prof. E. I. Ebitu, welcomed participants and commended the Department of Accounting for organising the conference.
He noted the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and called for practical and sustainable solutions, urging participants to approach cybersecurity from national security, economic, technological and ethical perspectives.
In his welcome address, the Acting Head of the Department of Accounting, Dr. Kechi Kankpang, described the conference theme as timely, against the backdrop of growing cybersecurity risks affecting financial information, transactions, privacy and accountability.
He stressed the need for accountants to understand cybersecurity and encouraged collaboration among academics, professionals and technology experts to develop practical solutions to emerging challenges.
The Conference Chairman, Dr. John Ikponwosa Otalor, noted that rapid digital transformation had created significant opportunities while also exposing organisations and financial systems to growing risks, including cybercrime, data breaches and digital fraud.
He stressed the importance of strong governance, accountability and collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges, expressing optimism that the conference would generate practical ideas and contribute to a safer and more accountable digital future.
The Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Mrs. Amenaghawon Offiong, represented by Prof. Hodo Riman, stressed the importance of cybersecurity to the financial system, noting that although accounting had evolved significantly with technology, the profession was also increasingly exposed to cyber-related risks.
She cited cases of accounting fraud and cyberattacks to illustrate the serious financial and organisational consequences of security breaches.
The Chairman urged researchers and professionals to move beyond theory and ensure that their research generated practical solutions capable of guiding government, businesses and institutions.
She commended the Department of Accounting for organising the conference and expressed the hope that its outcomes would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Joseph Duke, described cybersecurity and accountability as major challenges for modern accountants, stressing that cybersecurity was no longer solely an information technology concern but a critical component of financial integrity, good governance and public trust.
He urged accountants to understand digital risks, strengthen security controls and collaborate with technology experts to protect data, institutions and stakeholder confidence.
Prof Duke also called for proactive governance and continuous monitoring to build a secure and accountable digital environment.
Also speaking, the Lead Paper Presenter, Prof. Peter Ibadin of the Department of Accounting, University of Benin, explained that cybersecurity, accountability and digital governance were interconnected issues requiring strong policies, skilled professionals, effective oversight and public trust.
He highlighted Nigeria’s growing cybercrime challenges and weaknesses in digital accountability, stressing that the country’s digital transformation must go beyond technology and infrastructure to include stronger institutions, effective regulations and enhanced professional capacity.
Prof. Ibadin added that accountants, auditors, regulators and technology experts must work collaboratively to build secure, transparent and accountable digital systems.