By Martha Agas

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has called for training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for policy makers.

Bala made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the national dialogue on consensus framework towards policy/guidelines roadmap for Nigerian higher education in the age of A1.

He said that the move would enable the policy makers to better understand AI to make informed decisions on issues concerning it.

“It has become important that capacity is built within policymaking structures to better understand AI, its possibilities, limitations and risks.

“This will help in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral platforms for discussions on AI issues, and to actively engage a wide range of stakeholders,” he said.

He further explained that the event “is also aimed at empowering policymakers, educators, learners and researchers to fully utilise the advantages of AI in teaching, learning and research”.

According to him, key stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, researchers, industry experts, enterprise partners and students, are expected to engage in comprehensive discussions in respect to AI in higher education within the Nigerian context.

He also said that the one day national dialogue would examine the potential benefits of incorporating AI technologies in teaching, learning and research, to improve innovation, global competitiveness and preparedness for the future workplace

He said that the event “is also aimed at identifying challenges related to the responsible, ethical and safe use of AI and cybersecurity concerns within the higher education landscape.

“To facilitate collaboration among academia, industry and government to ensure a holistic approach to the integration of AI in higher education, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange

“It will discuss and formulate a consensus framework towards the development of policy/guidelines for the responsible, ethical and safe use of AI in teaching, learning, research, and decision-making processes within the higher education sector”.

He also said that the expected outcomes of the national dialogue would include developing recommendations for policymakers to support the integration of AI technologies in higher education.

The vice-chancellor added that the outcome would include the formulation of guidelines for the responsible, ethical and safe use of AI in higher education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue is jointly organised by Ahmadu Bello University, International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) and UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI).

It is aimed at guiding the innovative use of AI in Nigerian higher education.

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