The National Universities Commission (NUC) has endorsed the recommendation by the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools in Nigerian Universities to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) centers across universities in the country to enhance teaching and learning.
While endorsing the recommendations, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Rabadu, represented by Mr. Ashafa Ladan, Director of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, emphasised that AI has become an integral part of the academic world and that its usage spans all sectors.
He called on the academic community to invest in digital infrastructure, assuring that NUC has already set up a committee to help develop an AI curriculum for adoption across all universities in Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, said “Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how research is conducted and how knowledge is shared. Nigerian universities must embrace these advancements to remain globally competitive.”
He highlighted the significance of adopting AI in agricultural research, citing its role in digital innovation and invention in agricultural production.
According to Prof. Abdul-Rahman, AI enhances efficiency, clarity, productivity, sustainability, and error-free research work, making its application necessary in all human endeavours.
Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools in Nigerian Universities, Prof. Vearumun Tarhule commended Prof. Abdul-Rahman, with his management team for playing a successful host, his media aide Apostle David Mtswenem says in a statement.
Prof. Tarhule also appreciated participants for their unwavering commitment to devising modalities for utilising AI in postgraduate colleges and schools in Nigerian universities to improve postgraduate education and research.
