Education

University Don wants AI to be made compulsory course

Published

6 months ago

January 19, 2026

A university don, Prof. Sunday Olatunji, has argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be made a compulsory course for all students in higher institutions across Nigeria, irrespective of their field of study

He also called on Nigeria and Africa to build an intelligent, inclusive and technologically sovereign future to elevate human potential through artificial intelligence.

To achieve these goals, the Professor of Artificial Intelligence urged the nation and continent to: institutionalize capacity building for AI excellence; develop functional policy and ethical frameworks for responsible AI; build artificial intelligence literacy and workforce development; make AI a general course in all higher institutions; promote no-code

AI and machine learning pathways for beginners; develop public-private-academic partnerships; and build inclusive and culturally grounded AI.Prof. Olatunji, who is ranked by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the Best AI Researcher in Nigeria (2025), made these statements on Tuesday, while delivering the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, held at the University Multipurpose Hall.

The lecture was titled, Symbiosis of Mind and Machine: Harnessing AI for National Development.He stressed that artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction but a reality that permeates every stratum of human life. “Just as Computer Appreciation became a national requirement decades ago, the time has come for AI Appreciation as a compulsory General Studies (GST) course.

This course should introduce all students, regardless of discipline, to aspects of AI including: AI fundamentals, machine learning concepts, applications of AI in their respective fields, ethical implications of AI, and its role in national development, among others,” he said.

The lecturer called on governments to establish AI innovation hubs in all tertiary institutions and research centres; promote cross-disciplinary collaboration integrating computing; provide national research grants focused on AI solutions for local challenges; and recruit and train faculty specialised in AI, machine learning, data science, robotics, and computational intelligence.

Prof. Olatunji allayed fears that AI could replace humans or end humanity, positing that, “Many fear that the rise of artificial intelligence signals the decline of human relevance – that the machine might replace the mind. But history teaches otherwise. Every technological revolution – from the printing press to electricity, from the internet to AI – has not diminished humanity but rather redefined it.

Today, AI diagnoses diseases, predicts the weather, translates languages, and protects nations.

Prof. Olatunji has garnered from far and wide and commended his role in setting up the Faculty of Computing and for doing a yeoman’s job as its founding Dean.

The Vice Chancellor also noted that Prof. Olatunji is a well-respected and accomplished academic and researcher who has carved an enviable niche for himself in the digital world of computing and artificial intelligence.

Education

Abia State University Screens First Class Graduates From The 30-32nd Convocation For Employment

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

In line with the directive of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for the automatic employment of all First-Class graduates from the 30th–32nd Convocation Ceremony of the University, the Management on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, screened the eligible graduates who have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the onward processing of their employment letters.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Roseline Ndimele, expressed delight at the outstanding academic achievements of the graduates. She noted that the University Management is proud of their accomplishments and remains committed to supporting excellence and rewarding hard work.

Professor Ndimele further added that graduates who have successfully completed their NYSC programme are eligible to submit their application documents, while those currently serving or yet to commence the programme should return upon completion of their service.

In his remarks, the Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, stated that the meeting was convened in adherence to the directive of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. He urged all prospective candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided in order to avoid errors or misinformation during the screening process.

Recall that during the 30th–32nd Convocation Ceremony of Abia State University held on 27th March 2026 at the retrofitted University Pavilion, the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, announced that all First-Class graduates from the three convocation sets would be retained as Graduate Assistants after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Education

Rivers State Begins 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination Wednesday

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will officially commence on Wednesday, 2026, across all public and private schools in the state.

In a statement issued by the Director of Examinations and Records, Pastor Gideon Nwachukwu Uboh, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, says school authorities across all Local Government Areas have been advised to ensure that their students are adequately prepared for the examination.

The statement further directed that schools in all Local Government Areas, except Obio/Akpor, should collect and return examination materials through their respective Zonal Education Offices.

It further directed Schools within the Obio/Akpor Zone to collect and return examination materials at the following custodial centres:

Obio/Akpor Zone I: Community Secondary School, Okoro-Nu-Odo

Obio/Akpor Zone II: State Primary School I, Rumuapara, Obio/Akpor Zone III: Community Secondary School, Ozuoba.

The Ministry also disclosed that the Rivers State Government has paid the examination fees for all candidates in public schools. It warned that any principal or teacher found extorting money from students in public schools under any guise will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Akujobi Amadi

Education

FPOG Bonny Announces Resumption Date For Second Semester Academic Session

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, (FPOG) has announced the resumption of second semester from Monday 29th of June 2026.

A statement signed by Mr Anthony Ogbe, Senior Assistant Registrar/public Relations officer and made available to the tide advise.

Students to resume as announced and update their course registrations.

The statement further call them to take note of all academic deadlines for the semester , adding that timely resumption is essential to achieving the stated academic objectives.

According to the statement ,” the Polytechnic remains committed to academic excellence, innovation, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Management has provided the necessary resources and environment to support staff and students in delivering impactful solutions.”

“Management looks forward to receiving all returning students and wishes everyone safe travels back to campus.”the statement added.

Akujobi Amadi