Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on Nigerian universities to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) task forces to guide the responsible and strategic adoption of the technology in learning, teaching, research, and administration.
Pantami made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2nd National Hybrid Conference of the Faculty of Education, where he spoke on the theme “Generative Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Education — Challenges, Opportunities and Ethical Considerations.”
The former minister emphasized that the world is entering a new era of educational transformation driven by AI, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. According to him, while many leading global universities — including Harvard, Oxford, and MIT — have already established institutional frameworks and policies to manage the opportunities and risks associated with generative AI, Nigerian universities are yet to take concrete steps in that direction.
He said, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is our present reality. Our universities must not only use AI tools but also understand, regulate, and innovate with them. Establishing AI task forces is the first step toward achieving this goal.”
Pantami highlighted how AI can revolutionize higher education, from improving administrative efficiency and research quality to enhancing teaching and learning experiences. He, however, warned that without a proper ethical framework and national guidance, the misuse of AI tools could undermine academic integrity, promote plagiarism, and widen the digital divide among students.
He urged university administrators to immediately constitute multidisciplinary AI task forces comprising academics, ICT experts, legal scholars, ethicists, and students to assess current usage, identify risks, and develop institutional policies that align with global standards.
The former minister also noted that Nigeria’s growing digital economy depends heavily on how well its universities prepare graduates for the emerging AI-driven global workforce. He said that responsible AI adoption will not only improve the quality of education but also strengthen the country’s human capital and competitiveness on the international stage.
“We cannot achieve a truly digital economy without digital universities,” Pantami added. “The AI revolution will not wait for anyone. If we fail to act now, we will be producing graduates for a world that no longer exists.”
Pantami, who served under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was instrumental in the formulation of Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the National Policy on Emerging Technologies. His advocacy for AI task forces is seen as a continuation of his efforts to integrate emerging technologies into Nigeria’s development agenda.
Experts at the event agreed that establishing such task forces will help Nigerian universities build local capacity, promote responsible innovation, and ensure that students and educators benefit maximally from the AI revolution without compromising ethical or academic standards.
They also called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to develop a national framework on AI in higher education, providing universities with clear guidance on ethics, funding, and curriculum integration.
Pantami concluded by urging universities to adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach. “The future of education will be defined by how we use artificial intelligence — wisely, ethically, and inclusively,” he said.