The Kaduna State University Library, in collaboration with Bingham University Library, held a Strategic Conference on October 27, 2025, with the theme “Advancing Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation through Digital Transformation.” The event underscored the growing importance of collaboration across academic disciplines and institutions in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategy, Innovation and Service Delivery) Professor Helen Andow, welcomed participants and commended the host libraries for fostering meaningful academic partnerships. She emphasized that digital transformation is reshaping teaching, learning, and research, urging participants to embrace interdisciplinary and cross-university collaboration to generate impactful solutions. She also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to innovation, digital inclusion, and academic excellence, guided by a strategic plan that prioritizes world-class teaching, research, and community engagement.
In his Chairman’s address, the Chairman, Inaugural Committee, Professor Bala Dogo highlighted the pivotal role of university libraries in driving digital transformation. He described them as dynamic centers of creativity, innovation, and discovery, noting that Kaduna State University Library has evolved into a digital research hub that promotes global collaboration. He further encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions and form enduring partnerships that would strengthen interdisciplinary innovation.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Yenti Idaya Aspura of the University of Malaya, Malaysia, explored “Citizen Science and Open Data Driving Interdisciplinary Innovation in the Digital Era.” She emphasized how open science and public participation in data collection are accelerating innovation and improving transparency in research.
A lead paper presented by Professor Peter Ayuba, Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Digital Transformation, addressed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Advancing Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation.” He discussed how AI and data analytics enhance collaboration, predictive analysis, and knowledge sharing, while also stressing the need for ethical governance, data privacy, and institutional accountability in digital research.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Librarian, Bingham University, Associate Professor Joshua Sanni Magwai of Bingham University, Shaibu Suleiman, and Alhaji Ali Gora. In her goodwill address, Amina Sani Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Uba Sani on Student Matters, lauded the collaboration as a forward-thinking initiative that aligns with global trends in research and digital development.
Awards were presented to notable public servants of Kaduna State in recognition of their roles towards the advancement of Kaduna State. Awardees and their corresponding awards were:
· Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Sani Liman Kila –Excellence in Public Service Award
· Commissioner of Environment, Hon Abubakar Buba – Award of Excellence in Environmental Governance
· Accountant General, Kaduna State, Hon Bashir Zuntu – Prudence and Accountability Award
· Executive Chairman, Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams – Award of Excellence in Revenue Transformation
· SSA to Kaduna State Governor, Amina Sani Bello – Prestigious Service Award in Student Centredness
The conference concluded with closing remarks by the University Librarian, KASU, Dr. Babangida Dangani, marking a successful exchange of ideas and a renewed commitment to advancing digital transformation in higher education.