ABU Wins 'Best AI or AI-related Programme' Award at 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has won the 'Best AI or AI-related Programme (University)' award at the 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education in Nigeria.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has been honored with the prestigious 'Best AI or AI-related Programme (University)' award at the 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education in Nigeria. The event, which took place virtually on Monday, 17th February 2025, recognized institutions making significant strides in artificial intelligence education and policy development.
ABU clinched the award based on the strength of its B.Eng Computer Engineering (Artificial Intelligence Option), a program that has demonstrated excellence in AI education and application. Additionally, the university secured second place for its outstanding contributions to shaping AI policies within higher education institutions in the country.
The recognition was largely attributed to the exceptional entries submitted by ABU’s Department of Computer Engineering and the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Nigeria National Centre domiciled at the university. Their efforts stood out in promoting AI development and implementation in the academic sector.
Professor Nasiru Maiturare, Chairman of the Awards Selection Committee for the 2025 AI Awareness Day in Higher Education, noted that the event featured four distinguished award categories: Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education, Best AI Researcher in Higher Education, Best AI-related Programme, and Best AI Application for Enhancing Teaching and Learning.
In a formal notification to the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Professor Kabiru Bala, Professor Maiturare congratulated the university on its remarkable achievement. He also conveyed the appreciation of the event organizers and its National Coordinator, Professor Peter Okebukola, for ABU’s dedication to advancing artificial intelligence in higher education.
The award further solidifies ABU’s position as a leading institution in AI education and policy innovation, underscoring its commitment to shaping the future of AI in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
