Ola Akinwunmi
The Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, has called for the strategic deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address Nigeria’s twin challenges of insecurity and unemployment.
Speaking to journalists after the university’s inaugural lecture held in Asa, a border community between Abia and Rivers states, Prof. Fawehinmi said AI, when properly harnessed, offers a transformative path for Nigeria’s economy and security infrastructure.
“Artificial Intelligence will promote the Nigerian economy through digitalising most of the processes we currently do manually,” he said. “It’s not about replacing jobs but enhancing precision and creating new opportunities in manufacturing, education, design, and other sectors.”
The lecture, titled “Igniting African Renaissance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Reclaiming Innovation and Reimagining Futures,” was delivered by Prof. Ekpe Okorafor, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at the university and a research scholar at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy.
Prof. Fawehinmi emphasised that AI could play a critical role in tackling insecurity through technologies such as robotics and automated threat detection systems. “AI can detect threats and act in real-time with minimal casualties. From surveillance to logistics and military planning, AI will be a key enabler,” he explained.
He further highlighted that the university is positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation in Nigeria, pointing to the recent formation of an AI club by students and the institution’s plans to digitize its campus through e-learning and e-teaching platforms.
“Our students are already carrying out innovative projects through the AI club. These efforts are not just academic; they are rooted in our local realities and culture. We believe that by domesticating AI, we can preserve our values while embracing progress,” he added.
Prof. Okorafor, the inaugural lecturer, stressed the importance of ensuring that AI tools reflect African experiences and perspectives. “If your data is not included, then the models won’t represent you,” he warned. “We must build AI systems that are African-centered—systems that understand our cultures, traditions, and nuances.”
He addressed concerns about job losses, arguing that AI would ultimately lead to job creation—especially in emerging fields such as digital storytelling, cultural archiving, and model verification. “Transformation is inevitable. Yes, some roles will evolve or disappear, but new ones will emerge—especially if we develop AI that truly speaks to who we are,” he said.
The event marks a significant step in the university’s commitment to integrating technology with education and development. With voices like Fawehinmi and Okorafor leading the conversation, the Nigerian British University is making a strong case for home-grown AI as both a solution and an opportunity for the continent.
