The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, Tuesday called on Nigeria to urgently develop a comprehensive national strategy and policy framework to effectively harness emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), for sustainable national development.
Sanusi made the call while speaking at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) held in Kano with the theme: “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings.”
The emir stated that Nigeria must position itself strategically to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving global technological landscape, warning that the absence of a clear roadmap could leave the country behind in the digital age.
He said Nigerian universities must move beyond their traditional roles of teaching and research to become active drivers of national policy formulation, particularly in shaping an AI framework capable of transforming the economy and preparing future generations.
Sanusi noted that countries such as Ghana have already begun implementing robust AI strategies focused on youth development, data systems and economic advancement, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to delay any further.
Earlier, chairman of COPSUN, Ayodeji Omole, said the conference underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the numerous challenges confronting state-owned universities, including governance, policy alignment and institutional efficiency.
The Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his chief of staff, Suleiman Wali Sani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to education through sustained investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, research and human capital development.