198 vice chancellors to deliberate on digital learning, artificial intelligence at KUST

198 Vice Chancellors from federal, state and private universities in the country will converge at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) to mold new strategies and frontiers towards academic excellence in the country’s universities.

The university administrators would be sharing ideas at the 35th annual Conference of Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria Universities slated to kick off on Monday July 12, 2021.

Briefing journalists on the activities lined up for the conference, the host, Prof. Shehu Alhaji Musa said the conference would afford opportunity to dissect issues, challenges and solutions critical to university education in Nigeria.

Shehu stressed that the assembly of vice chancellors would delve into finding alternatives to funding the university system which he pointed out is obviously becoming difficult for the government to bear the cost alone.

He added that the vice chancellors would discuss vital investment opportunities that abound in universities, especially in the fields of agriculture, commerce, technology and oil and gas, where private and corporate entities can take advantage.

The VC who reminded of the devastating impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in the country, emphasised on areas of digital learning platform and artificial intelligence in the universities among issues taking front banner at the conference.

The conference, according to him, will also provide policy formation and directions for quality university education in Nigeria, adding that the Vice Chancellors are worried at the challenges facing the university system in the country.

He said the conference, which would be held virtual and at KUST, is expected to be declared open by the visitor of the university, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among other prominent personalities.

Other personalities expected include: Africa richest person, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Godwin Emefele, Executive Secretaries of National Universities Commission, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Rashid, TETfund, Prof. Mogoro and the Pro-Chancellor of the university, AB Mahmud.