AE-FUNAI ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT HOSTS INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

The Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Management Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, convened its 1st International Hybrid Conference on Taxation and Accounting in a Digitalized Economy: Advancing Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Development through Contemporary Reforms in Nigeria.

The conference brought together researchers, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to examine the impact of digital transformation on taxation and accounting practices and to propose evidence-based reforms for Nigeria’s fiscal future.

VC Rep, Prof. Nwabueze Elom in a group photograph with some dignitaries at the conference

In his opening remarks, the Head of Accountancy Department, Dr. Isaac Ikpor, described the conference as a historic milestone for the department and a platform for intellectual exchange, professional networking, and policy dialogue. He noted that the global economy faces unprecedented challenges, including digital disruption, fiscal constraints, and governance issues, making the conference theme timely and relevant.

 

Dr. Ikpor reaffirmed the department’s commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and global engagement. He cited recent departmental achievements, including the launch of the maiden edition of its departmental journal, the establishment of a departmental website, the publication of the       AE-FUNAI Journal of Behavioral Accounting, and the organization of international workshops that drew participants from 22 countries.

Head, Department of Accountancy, Dr. Isaac Ikpor speaking at the conference

He thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, for his continued support and urged participants to uphold the values of professionalism, innovation, and sustainability.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Nwabueze Elom, described the conference as timely and strategic. He observed that taxation is increasingly central to national economic management worldwide and expressed confidence that the conference outcomes would inform future policy and academic direction.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Joshua Okpanachi, Dean, School of Management, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, examined how digital technologies have transformed global economic activity. He highlighted the challenges posed by digital enterprises operating across borders without physical presence and stressed the need to modernize tax systems to capture value created in the digital economy.

Prof. Nwabueze Elom delivering the VC’s address at the conference

 

Prof. Okpanachi noted that several African countries have introduced reforms such as Value Added Tax on digital services and invested in digital tax administration platforms like Rev360 and TaxPro Max to improve efficiency and transparency. He recommended the development of comprehensive digital taxation policies to define taxation rights and improve revenue mobilization.

lead paper presenter, Prof. Teerooven Soobaroyen, Professor of Accounting at Aston University, UK

In his lead paper, Prof. Teerooven Soobaroyen, Professor of Accounting at Aston University, UK, called for a reorientation of African accounting and governance research toward local realities and developmental outcomes. He argued for greater recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and urged scholars to conduct research “with society” rather than merely “for society.” He also advocated stronger collaboration between academics, policymakers, and communities, and wider publication in open-access journals.

Prof. Fidelis O. Okpata, Professor of Public Administration at AE-FUNAI, presented the colloquium paper on “Research in Management Sciences in Emerging Economies: Repositioning the Public Sector for Growth and Development”. He emphasized the role of research in driving innovation and informed decision-making and recommended increased government funding, adoption of modern technologies, and effective public policy implementation to strengthen research impact.

Highlights of the conference included the official launch of the departmental journal and an awards ceremony recognizing individuals for distinguished contributions to public service and governance. Awardees included Chief Stephen Igwe, Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke, Chief Oguzor Offia-Nwali, Dr. Justina Nnachi, and Comr. Izinya Thomas Nweke, among others.

Rep. of VC, Prof. Nwabueze Elom presenting an excellent leadership award to Member, representing Abakaliki North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke during the event

 

The conference reinforced the Department of Accountancy’s commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and contributing practical solutions to Nigeria’s fiscal and developmental challenges.