IT Governance Practices in Nigerian Private Universities: A Study of Selected Institutions in Rivers State

Effective IT governance is critical for private universities to align technology investments with academic and administrative strategic objectives, yet formal IT governance frameworks remain underimplemented across the Nigerian higher education sector. This study examines IT governance practices in five private universities in Rivers State, South South Nigeria, including institutions in Port Harcourt and its environs. Structured questionnaires and document reviews were employed to assess governance structures, IT decision-making authority, risk management practices, IT performance measurement systems, and compliance with national ICT regulatory frameworks. Survey respondents included 85 IT directors, academic administrators, and finance officers. Results reveal that only one of the five universities had a formal IT governance committee, and none had implemented the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies framework comprehensively. IT budgeting decisions were found to be made primarily by non-technical administrators in four institutions, resulting in technology acquisitions misaligned with operational needs. The study contextualises findings within the COBIT 2019 governance model and identifies adaptable elements for the Nigerian private university environment. Recommendations include the establishment of IT steering committees at all institutions, mandatory ICT policy documentation, and annual IT performance audits. Keywords: IT governance, private universities, Rivers State, COBIT, higher education technology.