By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, through its UNIZIK–AN Centre for Accountancy Research Studies in collaboration with the EU-sponsored DESIRE Project, hosted the 2026 International Hybrid Conference on accounting education recently at UNIZIK Business School, Awka.
The conference themed “Re-Engineering Contemporary Accounting Thought and Practice: Tech-Innovations, Industrialisation and Work-Integrated Learning in Africa” brought together academics, professionals, students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from Nigeria and abroad.
Director of the UNIZIK–ANAN Centre, Prof. Emma Ikechukwu Okoye, said technologies such as AI, blockchain, cloud computing, and data analytics are reshaping accounting and demanding new graduate competencies.
He urged universities and professional bodies to redesign curricula for a technology-driven workplace and support industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Pius . V. C. Okoye, encouraged students to engage actively to maximize the learning opportunity.
Presenting the DESIRE Project, Prof. Gloria O. Okafor said the EU-backed initiative aims to improve employability of accounting graduates in Nigeria and Uganda through Work-Integrated Learning.
She noted the project aligns with the Global Gateway Initiative, ILO Sustainable Enterprises Framework, SDG 8, and the EU Sub-Saharan Africa Programme.
The lead paper, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Accounting,” was delivered by Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka of MAT Abacus Business School, Uganda.
He said AI is moving accountants beyond bookkeeping into strategic analysis and decision-making, and stressed continuous digital skills training to remain competitive.
The event featured technical sessions and panels on tech-driven accounting education, industrialisation, and work-integrated learning.
Participants pledged stronger academia-industry collaboration to produce globally competitive accounting graduates.
