Internal auditors play important role in saving university VCs — Prof Adebooye
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…
Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, emphasized the critical role of internal auditors in safeguarding the interests of university principals. Internal auditors serve as "lifesavers" for vice-chancellors, protecting them from financial irregularities, administrative issues, and institutional crises, he stated during the opening of the 39th National Conference and AGM of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Departments in Nigerian Universities.
Adebooye urged auditors to enhance financial accountability and transparency. He cited examples of former vice-chancellors who faced detention and prosecution for financial misconduct, highlighting the importance of robust internal audit systems in preventing such missteps and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. He affirmed that he personally did not authorize financial requests without first receiving assessment and clearance from the university's Internal Audit Department.
Adebooye stressed that internal auditors should not be viewed as impediments to administrative processes but as essential partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible management of institutional resources. He called upon auditors nationwide to remain professional, independent, and diligent in their oversight duties, particularly in scrutinizing and monitoring institutional spending.
Additionally, he recommended that auditors maintain strong, yet impartial relationships with their respective vice-chancellors, balancing collaboration with the maintenance of their professional independence and integrity.
The Chairman of the conference committee and Acting Director of Internal Audit at UNIOSUN, Adenrele Adewunmi, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for hosting the event and providing necessary institutional backing. Adewunmi highlighted the university's dedication to professional growth, effective internal audit practices, and accountability within Nigerian universities.
He welcomed attendees from various institutions and predicted that the conference would foster knowledge sharing, professional cooperation, and the integration of technology-driven solutions to address evolving challenges in financial management within Nigerian universities.
Spanning five days from November 9 to November 13, 2026, the conference is titled "Digital Horizons, Trust Realities: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology to Elevate Internal Audit in Nigerian Universities." It aims to explore how AI and ICT can enhance audit procedures, strengthen financial oversight, and bolster institutional sustainability.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
