Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State, Nigeria last Tuesday, inaugurated IAUE Centre for Artificial intelligence and officially launched the book, “Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Legacy Information Technology Automation and Digitisation Milestone 2015-2025 (10 years): A Model for the Nigerian University System “, at the University auditorium.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, congratulated the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff and Students of IAUE for the achievements, which celebrates not merely a new Centre and a new book, but vision, innovation and the courage to prepare for the future.
He stated that the IAUE Centre for Artificial intelligence could not have come at a more fitting time , because Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every sector of society with education not an exception.
IAUE, he stated, stands at a strategic point in the transformation as an institution devoted to teacher education.
Dr. Nwagor charged the Centre to equip Lecturers and students with genuine Artificial intelligence competencies to drive interdisciplinary research and to forge partnership with government, industry and technology organizations.
Artificial intelligence, he continued, “must never diminish the human purpose of education. It must assist the teacher not replace the teacher and must expand access and improve outcomes. It must also safeguard critical thinking, creativity, academic integrity and Human values.”

The Commissioner described the story captured in the book as remarkable, noting that IAUE has moved from manual systems to automated digitized processes in admissions and clearance, biometric verification, computer based testing, a centralized e-campus cloud, digitized webometrics ranking and secure digital certification production since NUC digitalization policy of 2015.
He explained that the University students’ population has grown from 4,500 in 2015 to more than 34,000 today, more than sevenfold as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), CISCO, MICROSOFT, Huawei and GLOBACOM.

Increase, sustained by a resilient digital infrastructure and partnership with organizations such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), CISCO, MICROSOFT, Huawei and GLOBACOM.
According to the Commissioner for Education, institutions must not only make history, but document it. By preserving the ten years journey, IAUE, he added, has produced a reference point from which other universities can genuinely learn from.
Nwagor stressed the need for universities to be digitally driven, research oriented, innovation focused and globally competitive, producing graduates who do not merely seek jobs, but create them.
Rivers State Government, he reiterated, will continue to place great emphasis on quality education, technology, research and human capital development while the Ministry of Education will keep supporting every initiative that positions Rivers State as a leading destination for innovative education.
He urged the Centre to build and promote strong ethical framework for the responsible use of Artificial intelligence, teaching students not and how to ensure that digital transformation widens opportunity rather than create new forms of exclusion, so that staff and students from every background can enjoy meaningful access.

merely how to use these tools, but how to think critically about what those tools produce and how to ensure that digital transformation widens opportunity rather than create new forms of exclusion, so that staff and students from every background can enjoy meaningful access .
While inaugurating the Centre, Dr. Nwagor commended the Vice Chancellor of IAUE Professor Onuchuku; the ICT Director, Professor Nathaniel Ojekudo; the Book Reviewer, Professor Nduka Wonu; Deputy Director, ICT, Dr. Emma Aburuotu; Coordinator of the Centre, Dr. Kingsley Theophilus Igulu; and all who contributed to the milestone.
He congratulated the University for the landmark achievements and prayed that IAUE continues to grow in knowledge, innovation and excellence .
The 13th Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of IAUE, Chief Chinyere Emmanuel Igwe, in his address, described the event as “a product of vision, collaboration and unwaivering belief that a University must not only teach the future, but build it.”
He expressed gratitude to TETFUND, National Universities Commission (NUC), Ministry of Education, and other partners, and also appreciated the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, and the Planning Committee for their dedication, which, he said, which has brought the University this far.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping Agriculture in Kebbi State, diagnostics in Port-Harcourt, Fintech in Lagos, and governance across Nigeria.
“AUE will continue to lead and the Centre will personalize learning for 200 million Nigerians, equip graduates with Artificial intelligence literacy so that they become employers of choice rather than job seekers, solve local problems with global tools, and ensure that it is ethically inclusive and proudly African”, Igwe stated.
He expressed optimism that the Artificial intelligence Centre will be run differently following the best of traditions, and urged IAUE students to grow up with ChatGPT, question, build and govern Artificial intelligence as the world needs Nigerian Artificial intelligence talent.
The Pro-Chancellor charged staff to reskill, saying that the Centre will fund Faculty, Fellowship and Sabbaticals in Artificial intelligence.
He encouraged them to embrace the discomfort of learning something new, and also encouraged Alumni and Industry partners to support the Centre by sponsoring a laboratory, offering internships, adopting a research project, noting that Universities of the world are not remembered for their buildings, but for the problems that they solve.

He expressed hope that IAUE Centre for Artificial intelligence would be remembered as a place of innovation where Nigerians began to build Artificial intelligence for Africans and by Africans.
On his oart, the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Onuchuku, stated that Artificial intelligence is used in many areas to help people solve problems, automate tasks and make better decisions in healthcare, education, business, transportation, Finance, Agriculture, Communications, Entertainment, Manufacturing and at daily life
He listed the benefits as saving time by automating tasks, improving accuracy and efficiency, helping to analyze large amounts of data, supporting better decision-making, and provides personalized experiences.
Professor Onuchuku explained that IAUE has over the past ten years enabled various automations and digitization to drive research learning development and administration.
This solution, he stated, complies with both local and international standards in computing.
Also speaking, the ICT Director, Professor Nathaniel Ojekudo, in his presentation, noted that the University has embraced transformation with courage and vision, aligned with NUC directives, as well as set the pace for innovation within the Nigerian University System.
According to him, the ICT centre has been at the heart of transformation, ensuring that every innovation is not just a technological upgrade, but a stronger investment in the future of education, building systems that foster inclusivity, enhance research and, strengthen teaching and streamline administration
While appreciating the Vice Chancellor of the university for driving the huge innovations and craving for excellence, and speedy implementations of all Information Technology related programmes, he noted the fact that without his support, IAUE will not be where it is today.

He called on industries and corporate partners to join hands in expanding the digital infrastructure by establishing centres of excellence and supporting innovative programmes that will empower the next generation of leaders.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of the Centre for Artificial intelligence, Dr. Kingsley Theophilus Igulu, said, “the Centre is the inauguration of an idea, vision, commitment to the future and timely institutional response to the emerging national regulatory and policy direction of the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the integration of Artificial intelligence into Nigerian higher education”
He emphasized that the centre is a declaration that IAUE will not merely observe the Artificial intelligence revolution from the sidelines, but will participate in it and ensure that it serves humanity with fairness.
Reviewing the book, “IAUE Legacy Information Technology Automation and Digitalization Milestone 2015-2015 (10years): A Model for the Nigerian University System “, Professor Nduka Wonu explained that the ten years period marks a decade of transformation during which IAUE systematically integrated digital solutions across all facets of its operations, including admissions, teaching, learning, research, staff development, administration and national policy implementation and it’s still advancing.
Prof. Wonu, who is the Director of Research and Development in the University, further said, “it is a monumental Chronicles of how technology reshaped the University’s ecosystem over a decade, and stands as both a historical record and a blueprint for the future of higher education in Nigeria.
“The overall impact is that together these innovations transformed IAUE into a digitally-oriented institution, setting a benchmark for Nigerian Universities.”
The event featured presentation of awards to all those whose contributions laid the foundation for the digital ecosystem.

A philanthropist and Chairman, Olo Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), Engr. Godwin Ndubuisi Worlu, has cautioned youths in his host communities against acts capable of truncating their future, urging them to harness their talents and abilities for a better tomorrow.
Worlu gave the charge recently at an empowerment programme held at his residence in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He also announced the donation of a two-bedroom flat to a popular musician, Mr. Ogbu Samuel Isaiah, popularly known as Awizer.
The philanthropist, who has so far empowered over 300 youths from Elele Alimini, Omudioga and Egbeda communities, provided financial assistance ranging between N20,000 and N50,000 to the beneficiaries as part of efforts to support their welfare and encourage self-reliance.
According to him, the future of the youths largely depends on the choices they make today, stressing the need for them to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid activities capable of jeopardising their prospects.
He urged the youths to have confidence in their abilities and remain focused on legitimate opportunities, noting that the coming of Aradel Holdings had opened fresh possibilities for the host communities.
Worlu commended the youths for maintaining peaceful coexistence with Aradel Holdings, and urged them to sustain the atmosphere of peace and understanding necessary for meaningful development in the communities.
He explained that the financial assistance was a personal initiative aimed at appreciating the youths for their cooperation, while encouraging them to remain committed to the peace, growth and development of their respective communities.
The HCDT Chairman disclosed that the Olo HCDT comprised eight communities, namely Elele, Elele Alimini, Omudioga, Egbeda, Akpabu, Eligbo, Okporomini and Otu Ikwerre, assuring that youths across the communities would benefit from the empowerment initiative.

He said four communities had so far benefited from the exercise, adding that the programme would be extended to other youths within the communities under his jurisdiction, while forms for skill acquisition programmes had already been distributed to the host communities.
Worlu further disclosed that beneficiaries of the skill acquisition scheme would undergo training with a reputable skills development firm in Nigeria, and advised the youths to always embrace dialogue in resolving differences rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining peace and development.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the two-bedroom apartment donated to Awizer at Omudioga in Emohua Local Government Area, Worlu commended the musician for using his musical talent, particularly the Ikwerre language, to preach peace, unity and tranquillity in the society.
Worlu, who is also the Eze Ochawaokpo I of Ogbaland and Ikwerre Kingdom, described Awizer as a responsible member of the society who had used his musical talent to break barriers and unite people from different backgrounds.
He said the gesture was in recognition of the musician’s positive contribution to society.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Bright Wogu commended Worlu for his benevolence, describing the empowerment as unprecedented since the inception of the Olo HCDT.
He said the initiative had demonstrated a new level of commitment to the welfare of youths, while the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the HCDT Chairman for the gesture.

King Onunwor

The Programme Manager, Rivers State Agency for the Control of AIDS (RIVSACA), Dr. Naaziga Francis, has stated that the State Strategic Plan (SSP) for HIV/AIDS will enhance necessary access to HIV Services in the State.
Francis, who stated this recently in a meeting for stakeholders working in the HIV/AIDS space in Rivers State, said the SSP, among others, will support equitable access to HIV services by providing a roadmap for HIV/AIDS response, and promote evidence-based programmes in the State.
“The State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 is the guiding document that provides guideline for the operations and response to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and Rivers State”, he said.
At the meeting, tagged, “Dissemination of the Rivers State HIV Strategic Plan (SSP 2025-2027)”, held in Port Harcourt, the RIVSACA boss explained the importance of the SSP, saying the document was developed with support from the National Agency l Fund for AIDS, Tubaculosis (TB), and Malaria, to provide guidance and direction to what is already being done towards ensuring that people in Rivers State live HIV/AIDS-free life.

For the Control of AIDS (NACA), Global Fund for AIDS, Tubaculosis (TB), and Malaria, to provide guidance and direction to what is already being done towards ensuring that people in Rivers State live HIV/AIDS-free life.
He said: “the SSP provides a scientific and implementative science approach to the HIV response. People shouldn’t be emotional, the document will tell people using available data to guide you in terms of geographical prevalence, or age/sex distribution, cing the way the HIV strata is in the State.”

And factors that are influencing the way the HIV strata is in the State.”
He, therefore, advised stakeholders to derive their objectives, goals, and guidance as it relates to HIV/AIDS response from the SSP, saying “it is the national and state document that is authorised to provide such guidance, and also see that we do things in the right way.”
In his remark, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Samuel Wokoma, who was represented by the Rector of Special Duties Bureau in the office of the SSG, Prof. Samuel Ugochukwu Onyeka, acknowledged that the meeting was a gathering to present the SSP as a roadmap for every crusader and participant in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and its mitigation.
He hinted that the availability of the SSP is an indication that a lot can be achieved going forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“With this purpose of having a framework to work with, and be able to meet up with the global target to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the strategic.

Plan is aimed at achieving a milestone within 2025-2027.
“So, it is expected that this will provide clear evidence-based targets, focus on high impact prevention, expanded testing, elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT), and unhindered access to Anti Retroviral Testing (ART)”, he stated
The SSG continued that for all stakeholders, the availability of the SSP should be a “very important strategy that emphasises ownership by Rivers people to sustain domestic financing, and reducing reliance on external donor fluctuations, while strengthening our localised healthcare delivery.”
He called on all stakeholders to work closely together with government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as parastatals, knowing that “no one aspect of the MDAs will be able to achieve the desired results.”
Expressing the hope that in the process, there will be reasonable reduction in stigmatisation, which, he said, is the reason for the meeting, and hence a call for stakeholders to recommit to the fight against HIV/AIDS, which also include protecting the dignity and human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS in the State.
He also called for accountability, saying, “let us use today’s forum not just to unveil a document, but to build an actionable framework for transparent monitoring and implementation.”
On her part, the Chief Programme Officer, NACA, Priscilla Odangla, congratulated the State Government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Commissioner for Health, the State Ministey of Health, and RIVSACA on the successful development of the SSP 2025-2027.
She said the achievement reflects the “strong leadership and commitment of the State Government, as well as the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, including development partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), mplementing partners, community-based organisations, Networks of People Living With HIV.
She noted that their collective contributions ensured that the SSP is evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with the national HIV response priorities and global targets for ending AIDS as a public health threat in 2030.
Noting that the SSP represents a framework for strengthening the coordination, effectiveness, and sustainability of HIV response at the state level, she called on the state government to do more.
She said: “As the State moves into the implementation phase, and in the face of dwindling donor support, NACA strongly encourages the State Government and all stakeholders to take full ownership of the SSP by integrating its priorities into state policies, sectorsl plans, and annual budgets, while strengthening coordination, monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
“The effective implementation of this strategic plan will be instrumental in achieving improved health outcomes and sustaining the gains already made in the fight against HIV.”
She also assured the commitment of NACA in working with the State Government and partners to provide technical leadership, coordination, and strategic support to ensure that the goals and objectives of the SSP are successfully realised.

Sogbeba Dokubo