Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on Nigerian universities to set up Artificial Intelligence (AI) task forces to guide the responsible and ethical use of the technology in teaching, learning, research, and administration.
Pantami made the appeal on Monday during the opening of a three-day national conference organized by Gombe State University, themed “Generative AI: Transforming Education—Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations.”
Delivering the keynote address, the former minister traced the evolution of AI and emphasized its transformative power in the education sector. He explained that generative AI can produce original content—including text, images, voice, and computer code—and has vast potential to revolutionize academic processes.
Highlighting the global impact of AI, Pantami noted that the technology could create 97 million new jobs and add $15 trillion to the world’s GDP by 2030. He, however, cautioned that while AI will not replace humans, “those who learn how to use it will replace those who fail to learn it.” He encouraged Nigerian institutions to embed AI ethics and literacy in their curricula to ensure global competitiveness.
Pantami, who also serves as Co-Chair of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council, showcased AI-powered tools that enhance research and learning, including Zotero, Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, and Chat Academia.
He also outlined key challenges associated with AI deployment in education—such as academic integrity, where students increasingly use AI to produce entire assignments and theses; data privacy and security, concerning how sensitive information is managed; and algorithmic bias, which may affect fairness and outcomes.
Pantami urged Nigerian universities to emulate global institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by establishing dedicated AI working groups.
He further presented five key recommendations for higher institutions:
Encourage student-led AI startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 and government funding.
Increase investment in AI research and innovation to ensure Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Provide continuous staff training to integrate responsible AI use in teaching and research.
Adopt AI detection platforms to curb plagiarism and uphold academic integrity.
Pantami concluded by emphasizing that responsible and innovative use of AI will determine Nigeria’s readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, urging universities to lead the transformation through policy, training, and innovation.