Accounting in the Digital Frontier: A Strategic Analysis of the 72nd Inaugural Lecture at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has formally scheduled its 72nd Inaugural Lecture, a high-level academic milestone marking the professional zenith of distinguished scholarship within the institution. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Professor Morufu Oladehinde Oladejo, a Professor of Accounting, will deliver a discourse titled "Dynamics of Accounting and Payment System (DAPS): The Hopes, The Fears and Aspirations." Under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor R. O. Rom Kalilu, this lecture represents a critical evaluation of the global shift from traditional fiscal recording to complex, technology-driven payment infrastructures.

Pillar I: The Intellectual Framework of DAPS

The core of Professor Oladejo’s presentation centers on the Dynamics of Accounting and Payment Systems (DAPS), a field that has undergone radical transformation due to the advent of fintech, blockchain, and real-time gross settlement systems. As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI), the lecturer is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between theoretical accounting standards and the practical realities of digital liquidity. The "Hopes" referenced in the title likely pertain to the unprecedented transparency and speed offered by modern ledger technologies, which promise to reduce audit lag and enhance financial inclusion across emerging markets.

Pillar II: Addressing the "Fears" of Systemic Vulnerability

A significant portion of this 72nd edition is dedicated to the "Fears" inherent in the digital transition. In the contemporary Nigerian and global context, these anxieties often center on cybersecurity threats, data privacy breaches, and the potential for systemic instability caused by unregulated decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Professor Oladejo is expected to address how the accounting profession must evolve its "Internal Control" mechanisms to mitigate these risks. This includes the aspiration for a standardized regulatory framework that can accommodate rapid technological innovation without compromising the foundational principles of financial stewardship and accountability.

Pillar III: Institutional Protocol and the Great Hall Assembly

The choice of The Great Hall as the venue for this landmark exercise underscores the statutory importance of the inaugural lecture in the university’s lifecycle. Guests and members of the university community are required to be seated by 11:45 am to facilitate the formal academic procession led by the Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka O. Balogun. This event is not merely an academic presentation but a public declaration of the university's contribution to national discourse on economic stability. By inviting professional accountants and the general public alongside the academia, LAUTECH is fostering a "Town and Gown" synergy, ensuring that the research findings have a direct impact on the Nigerian financial services sector.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of the Profession
The 72nd Inaugural Lecture of LAUTECH stands as a testament to the university's commitment to cutting-edge research in the social and management sciences. As Professor Morufu Oladehinde Oladejo takes the podium on March 26th, his insights into the aspirations of the accounting profession will provide a roadmap for future scholars and practitioners navigating the digital age. This lecture promises to define the next decade of accounting education and payment system policy in Nigeria, reinforcing LAUTECH’s position as a leader in technological and administrative innovation.