By Felix Khanoba
Experts from Nigeria’s higher education sector have called on the federal government to enact legislation supporting a comprehensive national policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with clear objectives, priorities, and a detailed implementation framework.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), said the call was part of the communique issued after the inaugural 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education in Nigeria.
The event, held virtually on February 17, 2025, aimed to bring to the fore AI’s transformative potential in the education sector.
The event was organized through a collaborative effort involving the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), National Universities Commission (NUC), NOUN, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Okebukola Science Foundation (OSF), the National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP), and the Association of African Universities (AAU).
Recognizing AI’s growing influence globally, the communique stressed the need for Nigeria to keep pace with advancements. The experts stated:”As institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, we must ask where we are in the global scheme of things regarding AI adoption. We urge our leaders to note that as we train the next generation of leaders and champions in AI, we should prioritise technical skills and ethical awareness.”
The event also featured the announcement of award winners across various AI-related categories, recognizing institutions and individuals driving innovation in policy, research, and teaching practices.
In the Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education category, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, secured the top spot among universities, followed by Lagos State University, Ojo, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna. In the polytechnic category, Living Spring College of Technology and Innovation, Osogbo, took first place.
For Best AI Researcher, Prof. Olatunji Sunday Olusanya of Adekunle Ajasin University emerged as the top researcher in the university category, with Dr. Salau Ayodeji of Afe Babalola University and Dr. Awotunde Joseph Bamidele of the University of Ilorin placing second and third, respectively. In the polytechnic category, Mr. Mohammed Modiu of Yaba College of Technology won first place, while Mr. Salami Ayo of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, led in the Colleges of Education category.
The Best Programme in Artificial Intelligence award went to the BSc Computer Science programme at Thomas Adewumi University.
Meanwhile, four programmes tied for second place: B. Eng. Computer Engineering (Artificial Intelligence Option) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; BSc Management Information Systems and BSc Industrial Mathematics (Computer Option) from Covenant University, Ota; and BSc Computer Science from the University of Benin.
In the Best AI Application for Enhancing Teaching and Learning category, Prof. Onyenwe Ikechukwu Ekene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, claimed the top position. A four-way tie for second place included Dr. Oguntosin Victoria (Covenant University), Dr. Oluwakemi Olurinola (Olabisi Onabanjo University), Professor Busari Mutiu (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta), and Professor Ibezim Nnenna (University of Nigeria, Nsukka).
Winners in the polytechnic category included Dr. Okikiola Folasade of Yaba College of Technology, while Dr. Usman Stephen of Ipere College of Education, Nasarawa State, led in the Colleges of Education category, with Mr. Bako Mahmud Malam of Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Bauchi State, taking second place.
The communique, signed by key figures including National Coordinator Distinguished Prof. Emeritus Peter A. Okebukola, Organising Committee Chairman Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, and Awards Committee Chairman Prof. Nasiru Maiturare, also officially designated February 17 as AI Awareness Day in Nigeria.
The experts called for increased government investment in data infrastructure and collaborative strategies to enhance AI development.
They stated:”Relevant government agencies should involve the National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) in AI policymaking, implementation and other matters concerning AI, alongside relevant government agencies. Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the inclusive and equitable development and deployment of AI for the benefit of all. This will include forging strong public-private partnerships and investing boldly in people and infrastructure.”
The communique further recommended establishing clear ethical guidelines and regulations to steer AI development responsibly, ensuring that advancements in AI benefit all sectors of society.
