The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigerian higher education. Speaking during a national dialogue on AI in Abuja, Bala emphasized that AI will significantly enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research activities across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The dialogue was organized by ABU, Zaria, the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), and the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation. Bala noted the growing importance of AI in higher education and its future impact on the workplace.
He referenced a UNESCO report, *Harnessing the Era of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: A Primer for Higher Education Stakeholders* (2023), which underscores the necessity for higher education institutions (HEIs) to be equipped for the responsible implementation of AI. Bala stressed the need for capacity building within policy-making structures to understand AI's possibilities, limitations, and risks.
As part of his commitment as the president of IIOE, Bala reported progress in developing micro-certification courses for teachers at ABU through the IIOE Nigeria National Centre in collaboration with UNESCO-ICHEI. He mentioned the completion of a course titled "Domestication and Production of Micro-Courses" in April 2024, which had 40 participants. Additionally, two new micro-certification courses are under development and review, focusing on "Design and Produce Presentation" and "Conduct Collaborative Instructional Research with Online and Offline Integration."
Bala expressed his commitment to advancing AI education and fostering interdisciplinary discussions on AI’s impact and applications in higher education.
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