Experts in Nigeria’s higher education sector have called on the federal government to enact legislation supporting a comprehensive national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, emphasizing the need for clear goals, priorities, and implementation strategies.
This recommendation was highlighted in a communique issued at the end of the inaugural 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education in Nigeria, held virtually on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The event, aimed at raising awareness of AI’s transformative role in education, was co-hosted by institutions including 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), National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP), and the Association of African Universities (AAU).
The communique stressed that AI is one of the most influential forces shaping modern society, urging Nigerian institutions to assess their position in the global AI landscape.
“As institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, we must ask where we stand in the global scheme of AI adoption. Our leaders must ensure that as we train the next generation of AI experts, we prioritize both technical skills and ethical awareness,” the statement read.
The experts also called on government agencies to collaborate with the NAAIP in policymaking, implementation, and other AI-related matters. Additionally, they recommended increased investment in robust and inclusive data infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and quality for effective AI development.
Recognition of AI Excellence in Higher Education
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of awards recognizing outstanding contributions to AI policy, curriculum, and research in Nigerian higher institutions.
Award Winners:
Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education
Universities:
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (1st)
Lagos State University, Ojo (2nd)
Federal University of Technology, Minna (3rd)
Polytechnics:
Living Spring College of Technology and Innovation, Osogbo (1st)
Best AI Researcher
Universities:
Prof. Olatunji Sunday Olusanya (Adekunle Ajasin University)
Dr. Salau Ayodeji (Afe Babalola University)
Dr. Awotunde Joseph Bamidele (University of Ilorin)
Polytechnics:
Mr. Mohammed Modiu (Yaba College of Technology) (1st)
Colleges of Education:
Mr. Salami Ayo (Federal College of Education, Iwo) (1st)
Best Programme in Artificial Intelligence
Universities:
BSc Computer Science (Thomas Adewumi University) (1st)
Tied 2nd Place:
B.Eng. Computer Engineering (AI Option) (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria)
BSc Management Information Systems (Covenant University, Ota)
BSc Industrial Mathematics (Computer Option) (Covenant University, Ota)
BSc Computer Science (University of Benin)
Best AI Application for Enhancing Teaching and Learning
Universities:
Prof. Onyenwe Ikechukwu Ekene (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) (1st)
Tied 2nd Place:
Dr. Oguntosin Victoria (Covenant University, Ota)
Dr. Oluwakemi Olurinola (Olabisi Onabanjo University)
Prof. Busari Mutiu (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta)
Prof. Ibezim Nnenna (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
Polytechnics:
Dr. Okikiola Folasade (Yaba College of Technology) (1st)
Colleges of Education:
Dr. Usman Stephen (Ipere College of Education, Nasarawa) (1st)
Mr. Bako Mahmud Malam (Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Bauchi) (2nd)
Future AI Development in Nigeria
The communique, signed by Distinguished Prof. Emeritus Peter A. Okebukola (National Coordinator), Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede (Organising Committee Chair), and Prof. Nasiru Maiturare (Awards Committee Chair), officially designated February 17 as AI Awareness Day in Nigeria.
Additionally, it recommended:
- Clear ethical guidelines and regulations for AI development
- Public-private partnerships to accelerate AI growth
- Bold investments in AI education, infrastructure, and research
Read also:
Nigerian Bar Association Urges Legal Adaptation To Artificial Intelligence
Intellectual Property In The Age Of Generative Artificial Intelligence; By UGOCHUKWU OBI
Artificial Intelligence Will Force Lawyers To Be Tech-Literate
The call for government-backed AI legislation signals a push toward making Nigeria a key player in the global AI revolution.
