Former Nigerian Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has commended Nigerian British University (NBU) for its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation, describing the institution as a catalyst for technological development and economic transformation in Nigeria.
Wabara gave the commendation following the university’s growing investments in AI education, research, and innovation initiatives aimed at preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy.
His remarks come amid increasing national conversations around the role of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth, improving productivity, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global technology framework.
The Nigerian British University, located in Asa, Abia State, has emerged as one of the institutions championing discussions on the future of AI in Africa through its academic programmes, research initiatives, and public engagements. The university has sought to promote greater awareness of the transformative potential of emerging technologies.
The institution recently hosted its maiden inaugural lecture titled “Igniting African Renaissance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Reclaiming Innovation and Reimagining Futures,” which brought together academics, researchers, technology experts, and policymakers to examine how AI can be harnessed to address Africa’s developmental challenges.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, highlighted the importance of embracing AI as a strategic tool for national development.
“Artificial Intelligence will promote the Nigerian economy through digitalising most of the processes we currently do manually,” Fawehinmi said. “It is not about replacing jobs but enhancing precision and creating new opportunities in manufacturing, education, design, and other sectors,” he added.
According to the Vice Chancellor, AI has the potential to transform multiple sectors of the economy while creating new employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He also noted that the technology could contribute significantly to addressing security challenges through the deployment of intelligent surveillance systems, robotics, and automated threat-detection solutions.
“AI can detect threats and act in real time with minimal casualties. From surveillance to logistics and military planning, AI will be a key enabler,” he said.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the university is positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation through initiatives designed to encourage student participation in emerging technologies.
“Our students are already carrying out innovative projects through the AI club. These efforts are not just academic; they are rooted in our local realities and culture. We believe that by domesticating AI, we can preserve our values while embracing progress,” he added.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, Professor Ekpe Okorafor, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at NBU, stressed the importance of developing AI systems that reflect African realities and experiences.
“If your data is not included, then the models won’t represent you,” Okorafor said. “We must build AI systems that are African-centred systems that understand our cultures, traditions, and differences,” he emphasised
The scholar argued that Africa must play an active role in the development of AI technologies to ensure that local languages, cultures, and societal contexts are adequately represented in future digital systems.
Addressing concerns over job displacement, Okorafor maintained that AI would create new opportunities even as it transforms traditional roles.
“Transformation is inevitable. Yes, some roles will evolve or disappear, but new ones will emerge, especially if we develop AI that truly speaks to who we are,” he said.
Wabara’s commendation reflects growing recognition of the role universities can play in building Nigeria’s AI capabilities and strengthening the country’s knowledge economy.
Across Nigeria, policymakers, academic institutions, and technology stakeholders are increasingly investing in AI-focused programmes as the country seeks to leverage emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve productivity, and create new economic opportunities.
Recent government initiatives, including the establishment of AI and robotics innovation hubs and the development of national AI strategies, underscore the country’s ambition to become a leading player in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
Industry experts have consistently argued that universities will be critical to achieving that objective by producing the skilled workforce, research outputs, and innovations needed to compete in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
For Nigerian British University, the focus on artificial intelligence represents part of a broader vision to position the institution at the forefront of technological advancement and contribute to the development of home-grown solutions to national and continental challenges.
As interest in AI continues to grow across Nigeria, Wabara’s endorsement is expected to further spotlight the university’s efforts to promote research, innovation, and digital skills development in an increasingly technology-driven world.
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