Digital transformation has become a global engine of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in higher education, but its implementation in Nigeria is scattered and inconsistent. This paper examines empirical evidence on how Nigerian universities use digital technologies to manage human and material resources. Following PRISMA guidelines, 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 were identified from major databases and local academic sources. According to the findings, Nigerian universities are in the middle of their digital transformation journey, with considerable advancements in e-learning platforms, cloud-based record management, and limited applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management. Reported benefits include increased administrative efficiency, improved openness, and rising prospects for sustainability. However, ongoing impediments like inadequate ICT infrastructure, unstable internet access, insufficient staff training, weak policy frameworks, and financial constraints impede system-wide integration. The review identifies significant opportunities to use AI, big data analytics, and e-procurement systems to improve institutional operations, in accordance with global best practices, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 9, and 16). The study finds that persistent investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and policy reform is required for Nigerian universities to fully realize the benefits of digital transformation in terms of sustainable human and material resource management
La transformación digital se ha convertido en un motor global de innovación, eficiencia y sostenibilidad en la educación superior; sin embargo, su implementación en Nigeria es dispersa e inconsistente. Este artículo examina la evidencia empírica sobre cómo las universidades nigerianas utilizan tecnologías digitales para gestionar los recursos humanos y materiales. Siguiendo las directrices PRISMA, se identificaron 25 artículos revisados por pares, publicados entre 2015 y 2025, a partir de bases de datos principales y fuentes académicas locales. Los hallazgos indican que las universidades nigerianas se encuentran en una etapa intermedia de su proceso de transformación digital, con avances considerables en plataformas de aprendizaje en línea, sistemas de gestión documental basados en la nube y aplicaciones limitadas de inteligencia artificial (IA) en la gestión de recursos humanos. Entre los beneficios reportados se incluyen una mayor eficiencia administrativa, una mejora en la transparencia y crecientes oportunidades para la sostenibilidad. No obstante, obstáculos persistentes como la infraestructura insuficiente de TIC, el acceso inestable a internet, la capacitación limitada del personal, marcos normativos débiles y restricciones financieras dificultan la integración a nivel sistémico. La revisión identifica oportunidades significativas para emplear IA, analítica de big data y sistemas de contratación electrónica con el fin de optimizar las operaciones institucionales, alinearse con las mejores prácticas globales y contribuir a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas (ODS 4, 9 y 16). El estudio concluye que se requiere una inversión sostenida en infraestructura, desarrollo de capacidades y reforma de políticas para que las universidades nigerianas puedan aprovechar plenamente los beneficios de la transformación digital en la gestión sostenible de recursos humanos y materiales.
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Dr. Babatunde Akinwande Akingunloye is an education researcher, lecturer, and academic practitioner with a strong commitment to advancing teaching effectiveness, educational research, and evidence-based policy implementation in Nigeria’s education sector. He currently serves as a lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, where he contributes to the training and mentoring of pre-service teachers while promoting innovative pedagogical practices that enhance student learning outcomes. He holds a PhD in Education Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, following earlier qualifications including an M.A.Ed. in Education Administration and a B.Sc.Ed. in Chemistry. His scholarly interests focus on school effectiveness, resource management in education, educational policy and programmes, and learner outcomes. His doctoral and ongoing research employ quantitative and mixed-method approaches to examine how instructional strategies and administrative practices influence students’ achievement, attitude, and retention.
Dr. Akingunloye has extensive experience in research design, fieldwork coordination, and data management across the education and public health sectors. He has served as a research assistant at Obafemi Awolowo University, supporting grant writing, project implementation, and undergraduate supervision, and has contributed to multiple national and donor-funded projects as a data analyst, enumerator, and field coordinator. These engagements have strengthened his expertise in large-scale data collection, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence synthesis for decision-making. His publication record spans educational quality, management practices, employability skills, and school improvement, with articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals. He is an active member of professional bodies, including the Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning (NAEAP) and the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management (CCEAM), and contributes to scholarship through conference participation and journal reviewing.
Through teaching, research, and community engagement, Dr. Akingunloye remains dedicated to bridging theory and practice, strengthening institutional capacity, and advancing policies that improve equitable and sustainable education outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
Esta obra está bajo una Licencia Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial-SinDerivadas 4.0 Internacional.