BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian university to develop a comprehensive policy document on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in university education.
This landmark achievement was commended by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Amb Chris Maiyaki, during a one-day international hybrid workshop hosted by the university.
The workshop, themed “Towards Responsible Use of AI in DELSU for Teaching, Research and Community Service”, brought together experts and academics to explore the potential of AI in university education.
Amb Maiyaki, who joined the event virtually, highlighted the growing importance of AI across various sectors and praised DELSU for taking the lead in integrating AI responsibly into its operations.
He noted that while Nigeria is still developing its Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure, DELSU’s AI policy is timely and critical, providing a framework for other universities to follow. The NUC, he assured, is fully committed to supporting DELSU in implementing its policy effectively.
In his opening address, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, represented by his Special Assistant, Dr. Omoefe Okpimah, praised DELSU’s initiative, aligning it with the State Government’s broader strategy of integrating ICT into service delivery.
He emphasized that AI is constantly evolving, and the new policy will enable DELSU to harness AI’s potential in teaching, research, and community service, ensuring that the institution stays ahead in the rapidly changing educational landscape.
Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, through his Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Rosemary Okoh, reiterated the university’s commitment to leveraging AI as a transformative tool.
He noted that AI is reshaping industries and societies worldwide, and DELSU’s decision to embrace AI reflects its dedication to remaining at the forefront of educational innovation.
The workshop, he explained, was designed to foster intellectual discourse and collaboration, ultimately enriching DELSU’s AI policy and ensuring its relevance in enhancing teaching, research, and administrative processes.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Peter Okebukola, former Executive Secretary of the NUC and Facilitator-General of the NUC/Virtual Institute for Capacity Building for Higher Education (NUC/VICBHE).
He lauded DELSU for its pioneering efforts, which he attributed to the remarkable performance of some of the university’s staff in recent NUC/VICBHE AI training programs.
Prof. Okebukola urged DELSU to build on its achievements by providing education on the proper use of AI, establishing mechanisms to prevent AI abuse, and investing in the necessary infrastructure to support AI applications across the university.
The event attracted participants from within and outside Nigeria, including renowned AI experts. Notable attendees included Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, President of the National Association of AI Practitioners and former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, who reviewed DELSU’s draft AI policy.
Other participants included Prof. Sami Souissi from Université de Lille, France, and Engr. Nikita Vasilev from London, among others. The high-profile attendance underscored the significance of DELSU’s pioneering role in AI adoption within the Nigerian higher education sector.
After the workshop, a communique was issued, calling for greater emphasis on harnessing AI for administrative tasks, particularly by non-teaching staff, as a means of improving university operations.
The workshop also saw impressive participation from DELSU’s academic community, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Ochuko Anomohanran, Provost of the College of Medicine Prof. Emmanuel Odokuma, University Orator and Chairman of Ceremonials Prof. Eseoghene Ojaruega; Deans of faculties, and Directors of Academic and non-Academic units.
DELSU’s groundbreaking AI policy is expected to set a new standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Nigerian universities, positioning the institution as a leader in educational innovation and AI integration.
