NUC to Partner ACAI on AI Development in Nigeria University Curriculum

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), is to partner the American Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ACAI) in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI), curriculum for the nation’s university’s curriculum.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Christopher Maiyaki disclosed this at the 2024 American Centre for Artificial Intelligence Annual Lecture and Investiture with the theme, “Shaping the Future of Al with Responsibility and Ethics,” over the weekend in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director Information Technology (IT), NUC, Anthony Adejumo, called the ACAI to come and partner the NUC in the development of an AI curriculum for Nigerian universities.

“The commission is developing a policy for AI in Nigerian university system; the NUC is committed to go into partnership and collaboration with stakeholders for the advancement of knowledge in the Nigerian universities for the benefit of humanity. The commission invites you (ACAI), to partner with it to create the Nigerian university system to global level.”

The Director, American Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Olusola Amusan in his welcome address said, “Shaping the future of Al responsibly is not just a goal, it is a necessity, where innovation and ethics converge to serve humanity’s greatest good.

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is interwoven into the fabrics of our lives, influencing industries, economies, and societies worldwide.

“However, with this immense potential comes the profound responsibility to ensure Al systems are ethical, transparent, and equitable.”

“As thought leaders, innovators, and advocates to explore how we can collectively uphold these principles while driving meaningful progress.”

Speaking further he said, ” We also celebrate a significant milestone: the investiture of new members into the American Center for Artificial Intelligence Fellowship. These pioneers are joining a growing network of visionaries committed to steering Al’s future responsibly.

“Their induction symbolises our collective commitment to nurturing ethical innovation and fostering a community dedicated to the greater good.

“As we embark on this transformative journey together, let’s remember that shaping the future of AI responsibly is not just a goal, it is a necessity.” he added

” Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is interwoven into the fabrics of our lives, influencing industries, economies, and societies worldwide. ” He emphasised

The keynote address speaker, a digital equity and technology leader, Emmanuel Azika, said, “AI should be inclusive by design, it should be accountable and transparent.

“So that people will know exactly what drives this AI. And we need to be careful about how we use peoples data in terms of privacy and abuse. In discussion AI all segments of society must be involved.” he added

A Prof. of cybersecurity Boniface Awuse of the department of cybersecurity Federal University of Technology Azure, Prof. Boniface Awuse, was of the opinion that government must guide the deployment of AI by initiating national policies and guidelines for the safe use of AI. ” Both government and the private sector must come together to set the guidelines for the use of AI.”