The Center for Biosecurity, Biosafety, Infectious Diseases, and One Health (CEBBIDOH), Kaduna State University (KASU), in collaboration with the KASU Professorial Inaugural Lecture and Public Seminar Committee, organised a two-session interactive talk themed:
“Generative AI in Sub-Saharan Africa: Diving into Uncharted Waters” and “AI-Driven Solutions and Information Systems: Shaping Smarter Schools for the Future.”
The event, drew academics, researchers, students, and technology enthusiasts eager to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and institutional development.
Chief Speaker Prof. Foluso Ayeni, a distinguished Professor of Information Systems at the Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis, USA, explored several dimensions of AI, including its definition, historical development, and practical applications. He elaborated on distinctions between AI, Machine Learning (ML), Neural Networks (NN), and Large Language Models (LLMs), and discussed concepts such as Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).
Citing a PwC analysis, he noted that AI continues to shape global economies and institutional frameworks. He presented insights into over 50 of the most visited AI tools, collectively attracting more than 24 billion online visits, underscoring the growing influence of generative AI technologies.
Prof. Ayeni further discussed AI’s relevance in administration, institutional policy formulation, classroom learning, and research development. He demonstrated how educators and students can harness tools like ChatGPT to improve learning outcomes, conduct literature reviews efficiently, and adopt innovative learning models such as case-based, service-based, and project-based learning.
Addressing challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, Prof. Ayeni identified issues such as limited infrastructure, research gaps, and low adoption of AI-driven solutions. He proposed theoretical frameworks and research models aimed at bridging these gaps and motivating further exploration in the field.
The Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Yushau Ibrahim Ango warmly welcomed participants and commended the organisers for initiating a timely and forward-thinking dialogue on AI.
Chairman of the KASU Seminar Committee and Director of CEBBIDOH Professors Bala Dogo and James C. Igwe reaffirmed Kaduna State University’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and digital transformation, preparing both faculty and students for the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence in education and governance.