The acting Vice-Chancellor, of University of Abuja, Professor Patricia Manko Lar, has hosted two high-powered delegations at the university—one focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and another from the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), emphasizing the need for deeper collaboration in nuclear energy research and education.
The first delegation included representatives from three Nigerian universities engaged in a collaborative Master’s degree programme in Embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI), alongside international partners from the University of Siegen (USI), Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), and Alpen-Adria University (AAU).
The Nigerian institutions involved in this initiative are the University of Abuja, University of Port Harcourt, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
During the meeting, Professor Lar emphasized the transformative power of AI, stating: “Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing work and problem-solving. I encourage our University community and stakeholders to embrace its vast potential.”
The second delegation was led by Engineer Anthony Ekedegwa, Acting Chairman of NAEC, who visited the university to discuss the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the institution. Commending the university’s dedication to implementing the national nuclear energy programme, he highlighted the critical role of education in Nigeria’s nuclear development.
According to Engineer Ekedegwa: “There is an urgent need to integrate nuclear technology into Nigeria’s education curricula. This will help domesticate nuclear technology and address the challenge of brain drain by ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals for the country’s nuclear energy programme.”
The high-profile meetings were attended by notable members of the university, including Professor Abdul Buba, Senior Special Assistant to the Acting Vice-Chancellor on Research; Professor Abdulfatai Jimoh, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Professor Zarmai, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Dr. Emmanuel Eronu, Director, Centre for Artificial Intelligence; Professor Evuti, Professor Olumide Owolabi, and Professor Maxwell Nwegbu, along with other key stakeholders.
The discussions marked a significant step towards strengthening partnerships in AI and nuclear energy, aligning the university with global technological advancements and national developmental goals.
