By Ibrahim Abdulsalam.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), in a groundbreaking move towards advancing the use of artificial intelligence in higher education. The partnership was formalized at the "Transforming Higher Education in the Age of AI" summit held in Shenzhen, China, from December 7th to 9th, 2023.
The summit convened global education leaders, policymakers, experts and scholars, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in higher education to collectively explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. The event had approximately 200 attendees from 28 countries across the globe, and issues such as AI's role in institutional management, teacher professional development, and effective governance of AI were discussed.
During the summit, a renowned lecturer at the Department of Computer Engineering and Director of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Nigeria National Center, Prof. Muhammad Mu'az Bashir Muazu, shed light on the challenges faced by the global south in accessing high-level training for teachers' digital capacity building and infrastructure.
He also emphasized the need for international support to bridge this divide, shedding light on ABU's initiatives to embrace AI in higher education.
During an exclusive interview, Prof. Mu'azu provided insights into ABU's strategic initiatives to embrace AI in higher education. He highlighted the university's efforts to embed the concept of AI in education, including the introduction of a Bachelor's degree option in AI and the development of a full-fledged Master's programme.
Additionally, ABU has collaborated with Huawei to foster AI talent development and has worked in conjunction with the IIOE National Center to promote ethical and responsible use of AI. The university also organized a university-wide dialogue on the impact of Generative AI in education, focusing on technology and ethical considerations.
As a founding member of IIOE, ABU has played a crucial role in establishing the IIOE National Center in Nigeria. Prof. Mu'azu also emphasized on the significant impact of the initiative in promoting digital transformation and enhancing teachers' capacities in higher education at the national level during the age of AI.
He highlighted the comprehensive policy for higher education digital transformation, marking a significant milestone for any public university in Nigeria in terms of applying digital tools in teaching and learning.
The collaboration between ABU and IIOE signifies a progressive step towards integrating AI into higher education, fostering digital transformation, and enhancing the capabilities of educators in Nigeria. As the landscape of education evolves with the inclusion and construction of systems by AI, this strategic alliance is poised to shape the future of higher education in the country.
The IIOE National Center has been instrumental in capacity-building, digital literacy, and technology applications, and plans to expand its influence by engaging more public universities in Nigeria to join the network.
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