In order to assess the effects of e-learning integration on university performance and competitiveness, this study uses Oman as a model for the Gulf. Analyzing how e-learning impacts technology integration, diversity, community engagement, infrastructure, financial strength, institutional reputation, student outcomes, research and innovation, and academic quality can reveal whether universities are effectively incorporating digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. By offering a framework for comparable institutions in the Gulf area, this study provides insights into optimizing e-learning techniques to improve university performance and competitiveness. This study uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a dataset comprising 424 participants and 55 indicators, analyzed using both measurement and structural models. The results of the hypothesis testing, which indicate that e-learning has a positive effect on factors like student outcomes (B = 0.080, t = 2.859, P = 0.004) and institutional reputation (B = 0.058, t = 2.770, P = 0.005), lend credence to these beliefs. Omani universities need culturally sensitive e-learning, stronger institutional support, and training to enhance diversity (B = 0.002, t = 0.456, P = 0.647) and technology integration (B = −0.009, t = 0.864, P = 0.387). These improvements increase the visibility of Gulf institutions abroad, attracting the best students from all around the world and fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere. Financially speaking, e-learning offers reasonably priced solutions such as digital libraries and virtual laboratories, which are especially beneficial in a region where education plays a major role in socioeconomic development.

The growing interconnectedness of the world has led to a rise in cybersecurity risks. Although it is increasingly conventional to use technology to assist business transactions, exposure to these risks must be minimised to allow business owners to do transactions in a secure manner. While a wide range of studies have been undertaken regarding the effects of cyberattacks on several industries and sectors, However, very few studies have focused on the effects of cyberattacks on the educational sector, specifically higher educational institutions (HEIs) in West Africa. Consequently, this study developed a survey and distributed it to HEIs particularly universities in West Africa to examine the data architectures they employed, the cyberattacks they encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic period, and the role of data analysis in decision-making, as well as the countermeasures employed in identifying and preventing cyberattacks. A total of one thousand, one hundred and sixty-four (1164) responses were received from ninety-three (93) HEIs and analysed. According to the study’s findings, data-informed architecture was adopted by 71.8% of HEIs, data-driven architecture by 24.1%, and data-centric architecture by 4.1%, all of which were vulnerable to cyberattacks. In addition, there are further concerns around data analysis techniques, staff training gaps, and countermeasures for cyberattacks. The study’s conclusion includes suggestions for future research topics and recommendations for repelling cyberattacks in HEIs.