Okebukola lauds Nigeria’s role in global AI revolution

Former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and National Coordinator of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Awareness Day, Prof. Peter Okebukola, has described Nigeria’s participation in the global AI revolution as a monumental achievement, underscoring the country’s significant strides in this burgeoning field.

The inaugural 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education was co-hosted by the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Okebukola Science Foundation (OSF) and the Association of African Universities (AAU).

The national virtual event brought together 856 participants, including heads of regulatory agencies, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders from across the country’s higher institutions to explore the potential of AI, share best practices, and contribute to shaping national policies that ensure ethical AI deployment.

The objectives of the AI Awareness Day, chaired by former Secretary of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Yakubu Ochefu, include raising awareness about AI’s role in revolutionising higher education in Nigeria; present a situation report on Nigeria’s progress in AI education and its contribution to global AI research; address opportunities and challenges in integrating AI into university curricula, research, and administration; and foster discussions on AI-driven innovations that tackle national educational challenges.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to recognise outstanding contributions in AI research, education, and policy within the Nigerian higher education system.

The first position in the Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education Award in the universities category was won by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, while the second and third positions went to Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, respectively.

In the polytechnics category, the first prize went to Living Spring College of Technology and Innovation, Osogbo.

For the Best AI Researcher in the universities category, Prof. Olatunji Olusanya of Adekunle Ajasin University came first, while Dr Salau Ayodeji of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and Dr Awotunde Bamidele of the University of Ilorin came second and third, respectively.

For the polytechnics category, Mr Mohammed Modiu of Yaba College of Technology came first, while Salami Ayo of Federal College of Education, Iwo, came first in the colleges of education category.

Key resolutions at the event include expanding the AI Awareness Day to all levels of the educational system; developing a strategic plan to ensure that Nigeria plays a leadership role in the global development of AI; strengthening the implementation of the AU strategic plan on AI; and forging strong public-private partnerships.