Babcock University has taken a bold step toward aligning its academic environment with the global digital revolution by unveiling a state-of-the-art ₦1.5 billion Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ICT centre, fully donated by New Horizons Nigeria. The centre, located at the university’s campus in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, was commissioned as part of the institution’s 23rd Convocation ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo emphasized the urgency of embracing digital transformation in higher education. He stressed that as the world moves rapidly into an era dominated by AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), universities must prepare students and faculty alike to be active contributors to this technological shift.
“In today’s world, it is no longer just about cognitive knowledge,” Tayo said. “What matters now is what you can do with your brain and your hands. This is why we are investing in facilities and training that will position our students to compete globally.”
The newly commissioned facility includes 2,000 seats, advanced computing systems, and dedicated innovation and incubation centres designed to drive practical learning and entrepreneurship. Tayo noted that the centre’s integration into the academic ecosystem will ensure that Babcock graduates possess not only domain expertise but also critical digital literacy.
He added that computer literacy is now a vital component across all fields—including medicine, law, fashion, and the humanities—and that the new AI Resource Empowerment Centre will give students a valuable interdisciplinary edge in the 21st-century job market.
Tim Akano, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, described the centre as a visionary investment in Nigeria’s digital future. He revealed that the project features 300 all-in-one customised systems, each worth about ₦1 million, and designed specifically for AI training.
“The world is moving fast toward AI dominance, and we want to make sure Nigerian students are not left behind,” Akano said. “There is AI in medicine, AI in law, AI in pharmacy, AI in transportation—AI is everywhere. This centre is more than a building; it is a launchpad for the future.”
He warned that any nation that fails to plug into the AI revolution risks becoming obsolete in the unfolding global order. Akano noted that New Horizons is already partnering with several institutions—Babcock, Bowen, and Redeemer’s universities among them—to replicate this model and embed AI capabilities across Nigerian higher education.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that digital competence is no longer optional. With this development, Babcock University is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation, equipping its students with the tools to not only navigate but lead in an AI-driven world.