The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has called on the leadership of Nigerian institutions to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Governance Committees to guide the responsible adoption of AI in university administration.

Rising from its eighth Biennial Conference in Kano State, the group urged universities to constitute committees specifically tasked with promoting the effective deployment of AI and digital governance across their operations.

In a statement by its Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, the committee also advised institutions to develop digital integrity strategies covering finance, academic processes, and data protection to strengthen internal controls and safeguard information.

Omole said universities should collaborate with anti-graft and intelligence agencies for joint training on server security and intelligence-sharing in the management of university affairs.

He added that regulatory agencies should formulate policies limiting the number of universities a state may establish, noting that uncontrolled proliferation could strain resources and affect quality.

The conference addressed funding for state-owned universities and tasked state governors to increase financial support for the institutions under their jurisdiction.

COPSUN advised universities to seek endowments not only from alumni, but also from capable stakeholders in society as part of efforts to diversify income sources.

On financial management, the committee stressed that transparency and accountability should remain guiding principles.

It enjoined university administrations to strengthen research and development initiatives under the guidance and supervision of their governing councils.

COPSUN further recommended that universities establish intellectual property and patent offices to transform research outputs into viable innovations.

The conference resolved to engage the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on the prospects and limitations of state universities in Nigeria.

It also emphasised the need for stronger synergy between universities and industries, noting that closer collaboration would help translate research funding into practical innovations that can contribute to economic development.