The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) convened the sixth edition of its Digital Tech Policy Forum on July 16, 2026, bringing together academics, researchers, students, civil society actors, and technology enthusiasts to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Held at the Bjorn Beckman Hall, CITAD, the forum focused on the theme, AI in Academia: Negotiating Benefits in the Context of Crisis and Complexity.
The forum provided a platform for participants to critically examine how AI is transforming teaching, learning, research, and university administration, while also addressing the ethical, governance, and academic integrity concerns associated with its increasing adoption. Through expert presentations and interactive discussions, participants explored how Nigerian universities can harness AI responsibly without compromising educational quality and critical thinking.
Delivering the first presentation, Dr. Sana Abdullahi Mu’az highlighted the rapid integration of AI into everyday academic activities, noting that artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for many students, lecturers, and researchers. While acknowledging AI’s ability to accelerate literature reviews, lesson preparation, and access to learning resources, she cautioned against overreliance on AI-generated content. She stressed that AI should complement—not replace—human reasoning, creativity, and ethical judgment, emphasizing that meaningful education remains rooted in critical thinking.
In the second presentation, Muhammad Bello Yahya examined AI’s broader institutional applications, including personalized learning, automated assessment, research support, accessibility for learners with disabilities, and administrative efficiency. He noted that despite these opportunities, universities must address emerging challenges such as academic dishonesty, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and unequal access to digital infrastructure. He further emphasized the need for institutions to develop governance frameworks that promote responsible and inclusive AI adoption.
The discussions that followed reflected growing concern over the increasing use of AI-generated assignments and research outputs without adequate intellectual engagement. Participants agreed that while AI offers tremendous opportunities for improving education, it also presents significant risks if used without clear ethical guidelines. Concerns were also raised about AI-generated misinformation, fabricated references, bias against African languages and contexts, and the widening digital divide affecting students with limited access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital devices.
To address these challenges, participants recommended that universities develop comprehensive AI policies, strengthen AI literacy among both lecturers and students, establish dedicated AI laboratories, and invest in digital infrastructure that supports equitable access to emerging technologies. They also called for greater investment in developing AI systems trained on Nigerian and African datasets to improve the relevance, accuracy, and inclusiveness of AI applications.
The forum concluded with a shared recognition that AI is now an integral part of higher education and that the focus should shift from resisting the technology to ensuring its responsible and ethical use. Through the Digital Tech Policy Forum, CITAD continues to provide an important platform for policy dialogue, fostering informed discussions on emerging technologies and supporting evidence-based approaches to digital governance and innovation in Nigeria.
