The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has described internal auditors as lifesavers of vice-chancellors, saying they play important roles in protecting university management from financial irregularities, administrative challenges and avoidable institutional crises.
Adebooye made this disclosure during the opening ceremony of the 39th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Departments in Nigerian Universities.
The Vice-Chancellor urged auditors to strengthen financial accountability and transparency.
"The experiences of some former vice-chancellors who have faced detention and prosecution over financial matters demonstrate the importance of effective internal audit systems in preventing misconduct and ensuring compliance with established financial procedures," he said.
Adebooye disclosed that he did not approve financial requests without first obtaining the assessment and clearance of the university's Internal Audit Department.
According to him, "internal auditors should not be regarded as obstacles to administrative processes but as partners in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible management of institutional resources."
He urged auditors across Nigerian universities to remain professional, independent and firm in carrying out their oversight responsibilities, particularly in reviewing and monitoring institutional expenditure.
Adebooye also advised internal auditors to maintain cordial working relationships with their respective vice-chancellors without compromising their independence, integrity and professional obligations.
He commended internal auditors for their contributions to university administration.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the committee and Acting Director of Internal Audit at UNIOSUN, Adenrele Adewunmi, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for approving the university's hosting of the conference and providing the necessary institutional support.
Adewunmi said the support reflected UNIOSUN's commitment to professional development, effective internal audit practices and accountability within the Nigerian university system.
He welcomed delegates from participating institutions and expressed optimism that the conference would encourage knowledge exchange, professional collaboration and the adoption of technology-driven approaches to emerging challenges in university financial management.
The five-day conference, which commenced on November 9 and will end on November 13, 2026, has attracted representatives from about 100 universities across Nigeria.
It is themed, "Digital Horizons, Trust Realities: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology to Elevate Internal Audit in Nigerian Universities".
The conference is expected to examine how artificial intelligence and information and communication technology can improve audit processes, strengthen financial oversight and promote institutional sustainability.
Internal auditors play important role in saving university VCs — Prof Adebooye