The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on Nigerian universities to take the lead in shaping national policy on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to strengthen governance and drive development.
Sanusi made the appeal on Tuesday in Kano during the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (CoPSUN), which focused on leveraging AI for improved university governance, internationalisation and global rankings.
He stressed that universities occupy a strategic position in fostering democratic accountability, warning that weak academic engagement in policymaking could undermine civil society and slow national progress.
According to him, Nigeria urgently requires a coordinated national framework for AI, urging institutions to avoid working in silos and instead collaborate in preparing the country for emerging technological realities.
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“This country needs a strategy, a policy framework, and readiness for the century we are in,” Sanusi said, emphasising the importance of aligning academic research with national priorities.
The Emir also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between universities, government and policymakers, noting that academic freedom and intellectual contributions are critical to sustainable development.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in tertiary education. Represented by his Chief of Staff, the governor said ongoing upgrades across state-owned institutions were aimed at positioning them as drivers of innovation and economic growth.
He pointed to improvements in infrastructure, digital learning systems, smart classrooms and internet connectivity as part of efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy.
Earlier, CoPSUN Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, described the conference as a platform for policy dialogue and reforms, noting that state universities continue to grapple with funding constraints, infrastructure gaps and increasing demand for quality education.
Omole called for deeper collaboration and the integration of AI into university systems to enhance governance, administration and academic delivery.
The conference brought together pro-chancellors, vice-chancellors, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system and improving its global competitiveness.
