Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in collaboration with the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI) and the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), will host the national dialogue aimed at advancing the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigerian higher education.
The one-day dialogue, titled “National Dialogue on Consensus Framework Towards a Policy/Guidelines Roadmap for Nigerian Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Abuja.
In a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor ABU Zaria on Saturday, the event will be held at the Communication and Digital Economy Complex and will be declared open by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The primary goal of the dialogue is to explore the potential benefits of integrating AI technologies into teaching, learning, and research.
It also aims to empower policymakers, educators, learners, and researchers to leverage AI for innovation, enhance global competitiveness, and prepare for future workplaces.
“Specifically, the objective of the national dialogue is to examine the potential benefits of incorporating AI technologies in teaching, learning, and research to improve innovation, global competitiveness and preparedness for the future workplace,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, the dialogue will address challenges related to the responsible, ethical, and safe use of AI, as well as cybersecurity concerns within the higher education landscape.
The event will also facilitate collaboration among academia, industry, and government to ensure a comprehensive approach to AI integration in higher education.
Notable speakers include the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun.
IIOE Nigeria National Centre is domiciled at ABU which is presently hosting the Global IIOE Rotating Presidency Unit 2024 headed by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
