Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Professor Hyacinth Ichoku, have urged Nigerian universities to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical tool for the future of higher education.
The duo warned that universities and individuals that fail to adapt to the rapid advancement of AI could risk being left behind in the coming years.
They made the call in Abuja during the 2026 three-day staff retreat of Veritas University, themed “Building a World-Class Nigerian University: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Okebukola: Universities Must Not Run Away From AI
Okebukola stressed the urgency for universities and individuals to understand and integrate AI into their activities.
He warned that those who refuse to embrace the technology could face significant consequences within the next five years.
According to him, Veritas University must take deliberate steps to ensure that its staff and students are prepared for the growing influence of AI.
He said the retreat provided an opportunity for the institution to prepare its community for the changes that AI would bring to education and other sectors.
Technology Transforming University Education
Speaking earlier, Vice-Chancellor Hyacinth Ichoku said the retreat was organised to provide an opportunity for reflection, renewal, strategic thinking and a renewed commitment to the university’s vision and mission.
He identified technology and artificial intelligence as critical components of the institution’s future, noting that technological advancements were already transforming teaching, learning, research and administration.
Ichoku stressed that information and communication technology had moved beyond being an optional component of university education and had become fundamental to the operations of modern institutions.
He further noted that the emergence of AI was changing how knowledge is produced, assessed, analysed and applied.
Veritas to Intensify AI Training for Staff
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that Veritas University would strengthen training programmes aimed at equipping staff with relevant AI skills and other technologies used in teaching and learning.
He urged members of staff to remain committed to excellence, integrity, professionalism, teamwork, innovation and service as the university works towards building a world-class institution.
The call comes amid growing efforts by Nigerian higher education institutions to adapt to emerging technologies and ensure that graduates and academic staff remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
