THE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, UniCal, Prof. Offiong Offiong, has identified cyber insecurity as a major threat to Nigeria’s financial sector.
Offiong stated this on Tuesday at the opening of the Department of Accounting’s Second International Conference on Cybersecurity and Accountability (ICCA-2026) in Calabar.
The conference had the theme: “Cybersecurity and Accountability: Bridging the Gap between Technology and Governance.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference focused on emerging threats to financial systems and issues of professional accountability.
Offiong, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Eneji, said the increasing use of electronic transactions had exposed the financial sector to growing cyber threats.
He urged accountants to acquire relevant skills to identify cyber threats, trace fraudulent activities and develop effective responses to emerging cybersecurity challenges.
“I urge accountants to acquire skills to identify cyber threats, trace fraudulent activities and develop effective responses to emerging cybersecurity challenges,” he said.
Offiong described the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development and networking.
He urged the Department of Accounting to sustain the initiative to promote collaboration and develop solutions to cybersecurity challenges.
Also speaking, the Acting Dean, Faculty of Administration and Management Sciences, Prof. Ezekiel Ebitu, called for practical and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s growing cybercrime challenge.
Ebitu urged participants to examine cybersecurity from national security, economic, technological and ethical perspectives, noting its implications for society.
Similarly, the Acting Head of the Department of Accounting, Dr Kechi Kankpang, described the theme of the conference as timely.
Kankpang said the growing use of digital technology had increased risks to financial information, transactions, privacy and accountability.
The Ag. Head called for stronger collaboration among academics, professionals and technology experts to develop practical responses to emerging cybersecurity challenges.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Joseph Duke, said cybersecurity was no longer solely an information technology concern but had become a critical pillar of financial integrity and public trust.
Duke stressed the need for stronger institutions, effective regulations and skilled professionals to secure digital systems.
NAN reports that participants at the conference emphasised the need for collaboration among accountants, auditors and technology experts to address emerging cybersecurity threats and strengthen accountability in the digital space. (NAN)
A.I
Aug. 25, 2026
Tags: Dr Kechi Kankpang Prof. Ezekiel Ebitu Prof. Joseph Duke Prof. Offiong Offiong UNICAL
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