By Gabriella Ogbu
At least 931 faculty members from Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have completed a 13-week intensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program aimed at enhancing teaching, research, and community engagement.
Organized by the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and the West Africa Office of the Association of African Universities (AAU), the training received funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and was overseen by the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee (STRADVCOM).
Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, director/facilitator-general of the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), which provided the training, revealed that participants underwent comprehensive training covering key AI concepts and practical sessions, enabling them to utilize AI tools in various aspects of their professional roles.
Endorsed by Vice Chancellors, Rectors of Polytechnics, Provosts of Colleges of Education, and other senior officials from Nigerian higher education institutions, the training culminated in a graduation ceremony chaired by former Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, with Sir John Daniel, former Assistant Director General for Education of UNESCO, as the keynote speaker.
Participants were urged to embrace the rapidly evolving role of AI in education and society, with a focus on implementing the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). Special recognition was given to outstanding participants, including Professor Omolara Oluwasola Oluwaniyi of the University of Ilorin, who received multiple awards for her exceptional performance.
Furthermore, Okebukola announced the official launch of the Nigeria Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) during the graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the integration of AI education and practice in Nigeria.
