Nigeria is making strides toward establishing a roadmap for the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its higher institutions, with the ambitious goal of ranking among the top 50 countries globally in AI readiness and adoption by 2030. This initiative involves collaborative efforts between local and international stakeholders within the country.
The country’s focus on AI adoption in the higher education system was underscored at a recent one-day National Dialogue on Consensus Framework towards a Policy/Guidelines Roadmap for Nigeria Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, held in Abuja.
The dialogue emphasized ethical, regulatory, and technical aspects of AI integration in higher education. Stakeholders championing this cause highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in the fair and responsible use of AI within the higher education ecosystem. They emphasized that creating a robust blueprint for effective AI uptake involves a collective effort, with significant roles assigned to regulators and other stakeholders.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, underscored the transformative potential of AI in higher education, pointing out its capability to overcome traditional constraints and facilitate personalized learning, especially in a country like Nigeria with a vibrant youth population and an innovative spirit.
The integration of AI in higher education is not just about adopting new technology but reimagining Nigerian education for the 21st century and beyond, as mentioned by the minister. This further resonates with the Minister’s optimism that the AI framework developed from this program will empower policymakers, educators, learners, and researchers to utilize AI effectively in teaching, learning, and research.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), underscored the significance of the consensus framework in providing comprehensive guidelines for AI integration, considering aspects such as data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the digital divide. Underpinned by the Quadruple Helix Model, the framework aims to foster inclusive and equitable educational environments that prepare students for the future.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its director-general, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted the collaborative efforts and rigorous methodology employed in producing the current Draft National AI Strategy document. Nigeria’s commitment to being at the forefront of AI adoption was emphasized, demonstrating a methodical approach involving extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and public participation.
This initiative also emphasizes aligning higher education AI research with national development, fostering industry-academia collaborations, ensuring inclusive AI education, and establishing ethical frameworks to guide AI research and development efforts.
The event hosting diverse stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society, aimed to shape the future of higher education in Nigeria, aligning educational systems for generations to come. The partnership also seeks to bridge gaps, incorporate AI technologies in teaching, learning, and research, and enhance innovation and global competitiveness.
Nigeria’s focused efforts and extensive collaborations in shaping policies and guidelines for AI adoption in higher education reflect the country’s commitment to leveraging AI’s transformative potential in preparing future generations for an AI-driven world.
