DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN NIGERIAN NORTH-WESTERN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES: THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY

Despite the growing importance of digital transformation in higher education, many private universities in Nigeria struggle to leverage it for competitive advantage due to operational inefficiencies and rigid structures. This study investigates how digital strategy, technology adoption, and data-driven decision-making influence operational efficiency, with organizational agility as a key moderating factor. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 396 administrators, faculty, and IT staff across five universities in North-West Nigeria, selected through stratified random sampling. Structural equation modelling revealed that all three digital transformation components significantly improve operational efficiency, while organizational agility both directly enhances performance and strengthens these relationships. The findings highlight the critical role of agility in maximizing the benefits of digital initiatives. Recommendations include prioritizing strategic digital alignment, investing in adaptive technologies, and promoting agile leadership. The study contributes to the discourse on digital transformation in resource-constrained educational contexts.