The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Benue Zone, has organised a leadership symposium aimed at strengthening students’ capacity in artificial intelligence, security awareness, financial literacy and democratic engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, themed “Securing the Future of the Nigerian Student: Navigating Security, Finance, Democracy and Artificial Intelligence,” was held at the College of Health Sciences Auditorium of the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi.
The event brought together student leaders, academics, security agencies, financial institutions and development stakeholders across Benue State.
Organised under the leadership of the NANS JCC Benue Zone Secretary-General, Nelson Iorkaa, the symposium was designed to prepare students for emerging societal and technological challenges while addressing concerns about political manipulation during election periods.
Iorkaa said the initiative was necessary due to the vulnerability of students during elections and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in education and communication.
He said: “We are in fast times. First, it is a political era because preparations for the 2027 elections are gradually warming up, and our students are among the most vulnerable groups that can easily be mobilised and used for illicit activities during electioneering periods.
“At the same time, the world is moving at a very fast pace in terms of artificial intelligence, and the Benue child must not be left behind.
“This symposium is targeted at enlightening students on artificial intelligence, security, democracy and how they can secure a financial future for themselves.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Timothy Alabar, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Member Genyi, urged students to embrace innovation responsibly, noting that technology should complement human effort rather than replace creativity and academic integrity.
He cautioned against excessive dependence on artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of critical thinking and originality in academic work.
Related Articles:
- The Invisible AI Threat to Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
- Assessing the Threat of AI Misuse to Nigeria’s Electoral Integrity
- Stakeholders Call for Safeguards Against AI Election Manipulation
- Haruspice Calls for Criminalisation of Fake AI Content Ahead of 2027 Elections
Officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) also delivered a security awareness session, advising students to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive information on social media, and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The DSS further warned against cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other social vices capable of harming students’ prospects.
Financial literacy training formed another key aspect of the programme. A representative of Novus Microfinance Bank, Mrs Loveth Dooshima Apaa, educated students on financial opportunities such as education and agribusiness loans, while assuring participants of transparency in loan administration.
In a presentation titled “AI Revolution: Repositioning the Nigerian Student,” technology expert Peters Shakume highlighted the opportunities artificial intelligence offers in learning, research and career development. He, however, stressed that AI cannot replace hard work, originality and the ability to defend academic work.
The symposium also featured panel discussions and interactive sessions where students engaged resource persons on security, leadership, technology and access to finance.
Organisers said the programme targeted student leaders who would, in turn, share the knowledge with thousands of students across institutions in the state.
According to Iorkaa, sustained investment in leadership training, civic education, financial literacy and technology skills is critical to preparing young Nigerians for future responsibilities in governance and the digital economy.
The event highlighted growing concerns among stakeholders about youth vulnerability to political manipulation, insecurity and the widening digital skills gap, with calls for stronger interventions to equip students for civic participation and technological advancement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news outlets, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.