REMINDER

Monday, February 17, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Zoom

Click here

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Announcement

The “2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education” is a national event aimed at raising awareness about the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the landscape of higher education in Nigeria. It will serve as a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s role in the global AI revolution. By focusing on the integration of AI into higher education, the event will celebrate Nigeria’s achievements and create a platform for further innovation and growth. It will be a step forward in ensuring that the Nigerian higher education system is at the forefront of AI research and education, contributing to the global knowledge economy while addressing local and national educational challenges.

As AI continues to shape every activity of humanity globally, it is important for Nigeria’s academic institutions to embrace and leverage AI technologies to enhance research, teaching, and learning. This event will bring together stakeholders from the Nigerian higher education system, policymakers, educators, and AI practitioners to explore the impact of AI on higher education, share best practices, and celebrate Nigeria’s contributions to AI education and research, and inform national policy. It is expected to be an annual event with 2025 being the inaugural edition.

Objectives

The celebration has the following objectives.

• Promote awareness about AI’s role in revolutionising higher education in Nigeria.
• Present a situation report on Nigeria’s progress in AI education and its contribution to global AI research.
• Celebrate the achievements of Nigerian higher education institutions in advancing AI education and research.
• Explore the opportunities and challenges faced by higher education institutions in integrating AI into their curricula, research, and administration.
• Create a platform for discussions on AI-driven innovations that can address national educational challenges.
• Inform national capacity building and policy that would ensure sound ethical considerations and compliance in AI deployment.

Activities

1. Symposium: A key feature of the event will be a symposium that gathers experts, academics, and students to discuss the role of AI in higher education. Theme: Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering.  Inclusive Growth. Speakers: Leading AI experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators. Session:  Discussions on AI’s role in addressing economic challenges, enhancing education, healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

1. Dissemination of the 3-volume Handbook on AI and Quality Higher Education: The first of its kind in Africa, 3-volume Handbook which was unveiled by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu on January 13, 2025 will be disseminated at the event.

1. Awards Ceremony: The awards ceremony will celebrate excellence in AI-related activities within the Nigerian higher education system. Categories include:

• Best AI Researcher in Higher Education (Individual).
• Best AI Education Programme (University, Polytechnic and College of Education).
• Outstanding AI Policy in Higher Education.

• Best AI Application for Enhancing Teaching and Learning.

4. Situation Report on AI in Nigerian Higher Education: A detailed situation report will be presented to evaluate the current state of AI in the Nigerian higher education system. The report will (a) review the integration of AI into university curricula, research, and administrative systems; (b) highlight the contributions of Nigerian universities to global AI research and development; (c) assess the state of AI resources and infrastructure in Nigerian higher education; and (d) identify challenges and opportunities in AI adoption within the sector, including funding, training, and access to technology.

Target Audience

• Executive Secretary of NUC, NBTE, NCCE and TETFund
• Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts
• Staff of Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
• President and members of the National Association of AI Practitioners (NAAIP)
• Graduates of VICBHE Module 8 on AI
• Researchers in AI, computer science, data science, and related fields.
• Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
• Students and young professionals pursuing careers in AI.
• Private sector partners supporting AI research and education.
• Government officials involved in educational policy and innovation.
• Other stakeholders

Date, Time and Venue

• Monday February 17, 2025
• Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
• Venue: Zoom

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of AI’s potential to transform higher education in Nigeria.
• Increased collaboration between Nigerian universities, the private sector, and government agencies in AI-related projects.
• Recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in AI education and research on the African continent.
• Stronger support for AI programmes and curricula within Nigerian higher education system.
• Establishment of a sustainable network for AI innovation and research within the Nigerian academic community.

Monitoring and Evaluation

A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan will be installed to gauge/measure how well the objectives of the project are being met.

Call to Action

We invite interested stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, research organizations, industry leaders, and civil society organizations, to collaborate in making  the “2025 AI Awareness Day” a resounding success.

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