Rivers State University (RSU) is set to blaze a trail in higher education as it prepares to unveil a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy that will reshape teaching, learning, and research. The initiative, expected to position RSU among the first Nigerian universities to formally adopt an AI framework, underscores the institution’s resolve to modernize academic practices and equip students for a rapidly evolving digital world.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, stated this while speaking at the 118th Inaugural Lecture of the university titled, “From Algorithms To Impact: Harnessing Emerging Technologies For Socio-Economic Transformation,” delivered by Professor Daniel Matthias of the Department of Computer Science, last week.
The Vice Chancellor who disclosed this while making his closing remarks during the lecture said the Senate of the university was already considering a policy aimed at mainstreaming AI into the academics and administration of the university.
“Right now, Senate is considering our AI policy tending to mainstream the technology into our academics and administration,” he said.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi, who was reacting to one of the recommendations of the Inaugural Lecturer on having “lead discussions on ethical use of AI and data within Nigeria” and “providing frameworks to guide responsible adoption of emerging technologies,” disclosed that the university will not allow unchecked and illegal use of AI in research at all levels of academic pursuit.
“Part of our AI policy will provide a certain percentage of AI content that will be permissible for students pursuing doctoral, masters or bachelor degrees. The idea is to avoid researchers just picking everything from AI and regurgitating the same to the institution. They will be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and will be rejected if they fail to pass the test. So, I am sounding the warning now, and that also includes lecturers.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that his administration is developing the digital capacity of both academic and non-academic staff of the university to ensure that the school ranks high in digital transformation in the country.
“We are developing the digital capacity of all staff by introducing the Computer Access Programme (CAP). If any staff has not applied, make haste to do so because you may be left behind as very soon the VC will only treat correspondence via email,” he said.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi further disclosed that the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) centre of the university is equipped to ensure that all staff benefit from the training and facilities available. He said during the last holidays, over 400 students and teachers were at the centre to learn about emerging technologies.
Speaking on the University-Industry-Government Partnerships, which was also a recommendation from the Inaugural Lecturer, the Vice Chancellor stated that his administration intends utilising the University-Industry Special Purpose Vehicle already in place to ensure collaboration that would yield results. “The Departmental-Industry Day is aimed at bringing professional bodies to collaborate and mentor our students for greater achievements.
The 118th Inaugural Lecture was well attended by members of the University community, guests from far and wide.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the university was contributing its quota to national development by the quality of research it was developing in various fields of academics.
