ABU’s Department of Finance holds 1st International Conference
Department of Finance, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has held its 1st International Conference, today, Wednesday, 16th July, 2025.
The Conference, with the theme, ‘Digital Transformation: Navigating the New Frontier in the Financial Arena for Sustainable Development’, took place at the CBN Centre of Economics and Finance, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, commended the Department for organising the conference.
Prof Ahmed stated that the Department had done the right thing for inviting all relevant financial stakeholders to grace the occasion.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University was open for collaborations and research in the aspect of finance.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Head, Department of Finance, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, explained that the conference was not only a gathering of minds, but also a convergence of purpose.
He said that it was also a commitment to understanding and harnessing the potential of digital innovation in reshaping financial systems and promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.
Dr. Ibrahim said that across the globe, financial landscapes were being redefined by emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital currencies and Fintech innovations, all of which were breaking barriers and building bridges to new economic possibilities.
In a remark, Chairman of the occasion, Prof Ahmad Sheikh Abdallah, OON appreciated the Department for inviting him to chair the occasion.
Prof Abdallah noted that the issue of zero tolerance for interest rate in Islamic finance should be conceptualized.
On his part, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, said that the Department was not only growing in impact, but also leading the way in financial discourse across the globe.
Prof Rafindadi said that the theme of the conference resonated with global and national priorities.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor called on participants to form collaborations and network, stressing that what ABU teaches is what the industry wants.
In a keynote speech, the Director General, Security Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Timi Agama, commended the Department for its foresight in conceiving the idea of organising the conference.
Represented by Head, Economic, Research and Intelligence Division of SEC, Dr. Hassan Suleiman, the Director General asserted that the influence of financial innovation was no longer speculated, but visible.
Dr Agama said that SEC had positioned digital market as a pillar of its development agenda.
In another keynote speech, an Executive Director at the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr Kabiru Katata, argued that banking was not static, but flexible.
Dr Katata emphasized that NDIC supervises banks and that things have been eased for people due to digital technology.
In a goodwill message, Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, charged the conference participants to deliberate on matters that will add value to the economic development of Nigeria.
Represented by the Director General, Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, the Speaker congratulated the Department and wished all participants fruitful deliberations.
In another goodwill message, the Chairman Board of Security Exchange Commission, Malam Mairiga Aliyu Katuka, expressed delight for being invited as one of the special guests.
Katuka stated that the conference was apt, because it came at a time when the President signed the Investment and Security Act 2025.
The Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Mr. Gbenga Alade, affirmed that the corporation would be interested in what will come out of the conference.
Represented by his Technical Assistant, Mr. Muhammad Taofeek, the Managing Director said that he was looking forward to more collaborative researches on digital economy.
The Executive Chairman, Investment and Securities Tribunal, Mr. Amos Azi, applauded the Department for embarking journey of bringing together policy makers for cross fertilization of ideas.
Represented by a Commissioner at the Tribunal, Dr Abubakar Ahmad, the Chairman maintained that Fintech entails multiple interaction among different stakeholders.
Emir Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, commended the Department for coming up with the initiative.
Represented by the Barden Kerarriyan Zazzau, Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, the Emir enjoined participants to come up with a communique that will solve so many social problems.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof Sani Abdullahi, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the success of the conference.
Prof Abdullahi expressed gratitude to all experts, policy makers, paper presenters and stakeholders alike for gracing the occasion.
The conference was attended by technocrats, policy makers, experts and stakeholders in different financial institutions across the country.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (AHW)
Wednesday, 16th July, 2025
