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Nigerian Varsities Charged To Embrace AI, Collaboration

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2026

Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

Nigerian Universities have been charged to embrace artificial intelligence, innovation, stronger governance and strategic partnerships for them to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world and meet the expectations of the country’s growing population.

The charge was made on Tuesday at the 37th Annual General Assembly and Conference of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), hosted by the University of Ilorin, with the theme: “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria.”

The Chairman of the CVCNU and Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, said the Nigerian university system had reached a critical point where mere survival was no longer sufficient.

Ezemonye said universities must transform themselves into centres of innovation, ethical leadership, research and national development rather than remain detached from the needs of society.

“We meet at an hour when the Nigerian university is being tested as it has seldom been tested since the years immediately after independence. The test is not of our survival, for we have survived much. It is of our relevance to a young, restless and expectant nation,” he said.

He said the resilience of universities must go beyond coping with inadequate funding, industrial disputes, population pressures, technological disruption and the migration of skilled academics.

According to him, resilient universities must be able to adapt to emerging realities while retaining their core responsibilities of teaching, research, character formation and service to society.

He identified governance and financial sustainability, artificial intelligence and technology-driven transformation, university-government-industry relations, as well as human capital, academic excellence and the welfare of students and staff as critical areas requiring urgent attention.

Ezemonye warned that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development without a strong university system capable of producing the professionals, researchers and leaders required to drive the economy.

“Those institutions have produced the doctors who staff our hospitals, the engineers who build our infrastructure, the lawyers who argue our cases, the scientists who conduct our research, the administrators who govern our public institutions and the leaders who have shaped our national life,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that the country could not continue to depend on the achievements of previous generations, stressing that universities must be repositioned to respond to artificial intelligence, demographic growth and increasing global competition.

“Inheritance is not destiny,” Ezemonye declared, urging university authorities to rebuild their institutions to become “fit for purpose” in the emerging global environment.

The CVCNU Chairman also called for a change in the perception of universities as isolated “Ivory Towers”, saying they should instead serve as innovation engines, knowledge centres, community anchors and the nation’s compass for ethical leadership.

He urged participants at the conference to confront the challenges facing the sector honestly and produce practical, evidence-based solutions.

“The challenges before us are too grave and too urgent to be obscured by politeness or deference. We must speak plainly about the failures of the past and the demands of the future,” he said.

Also speaking at the conference, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, warned universities against violating newly approved regulatory guidelines, particularly on the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees.

Ribadu said universities must not award more than three honorary doctorates at a single convocation and warned that serving public office holders should not be recipients of such honours under the new guidelines.

“It has been bastardised in the past. So, for now, we say please, you are doing well. When you leave office, the university will honour you,” he said.

The NUC boss disclosed that institutions that breach the guidelines could face sanctions, including suspension or refusal of resource verification for new academic programmes for up to two years.

“One of which is suspension or refusal by NUC to do resource verification for new programmes,” he said.

He warned that the sanction could affect universities seeking approval for programmes in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and robotics.

“If you wish to do that and you have violated the guideline, the punishment is we will not resource-verify your institution. And you cannot do it for two years,” Ribadu said.

The NUC executive secretary said the commission was pursuing reforms aimed at expanding access to university education while strengthening quality assurance, digitisation, research, innovation and the academic calendar.

He announced plans to introduce “Blueprint 2.0”, which he described as a roadmap for the sustainable transformation of the Nigerian university system.

“Blueprint 2.0 is not intended to become just another policy document. Its implementation will be monitored continuously with regular assessments of progress and adjustments made when necessary,” he said.

Ribadu said the NUC would also further digitise its operations, particularly resource verification, allowing universities to submit applications and receive responses electronically.

He disclosed that the commission would hold a retreat with vice-chancellors in October to address challenges peculiar to federal, state and private universities.

On curriculum development, Ribadu said universities currently had 30 per cent flexibility to introduce innovations relevant to their institutions, adding that the commission would review the arrangement in two years and could increase the flexibility to 50 per cent.

He, however, stressed that increased access to university education must not be achieved at the expense of quality.

“We have to maintain quality,” he said.

Ribadu also called for greater cooperation between the NUC and university authorities, saying, “Let us work together. We are one government. We can work together. Let us collaborate.”

In a related call for institutional stability, the Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, Prof. Ahmed Yayale Ahmed, urged Vice-Chancellors and Governing Councils to end rivalry and embrace partnership in the management of universities.

Ahmed said the complex challenges confronting higher education required trust, transparency and a shared sense of purpose between university management and governing councils.

“Governing Councils are supervisory and advisory organs constituted by Government to support good governance and ensure the smooth and effective running of our institutions,” he said.

He urged councils to provide guidance and oversight without interfering in the day-to-day administration of universities, while also advising Vice-Chancellors to respect the statutory responsibilities of Governing Councils.

“Council must supervise without micromanaging, while Management must exercise its authority without shutting Council out,” Ahmed said.

He warned that universities could ill afford leadership conflicts at a time when they were struggling with funding pressures, technological disruption, global competition and demands for greater accountability.

“Our universities cannot afford leadership conflicts. The challenges confronting Nigerian higher education are simply too significant for Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors to expend valuable time and resources competing for authority,” he said.

Ahmed called for a shift from rivalry to partnership, suspicion to transparency and confrontation to constructive engagement.

He also advocated closer cooperation between the Committee of Pro-Chancellors and the CVCNU, saying both bodies had important roles to play in building a resilient and globally competitive university system.

“There is much that our two bodies can achieve when we speak to one another, understand our respective responsibilities and work together in the overall interest of Nigerian higher education,” he said.

The conference, which brought together vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, regulators and other stakeholders in the education sector, is expected to produce recommendations on governance, innovation, funding, digital transformation, academic excellence and institutional resilience.

The CVCNU Chairman expressed confidence that the deliberations would provide practical pathways for repositioning Nigerian universities.

“I am firmly convinced that the deliberations of these two days shall serve, in perpetuity, the cause of a resilient, resurgent, and enduring Nigerian university system,” Ezemonye said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu; keynote speaker Prof. Emeritus Ishaq Oloyede; and the University of Ilorin, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for supporting the conference.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.