Ahmadu Bello University Hosts International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change
He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to foster progress while addressing its ethical, social, and economic implications. Prof. Bala also underscored the need for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly its impact on industries like aviation.
Binye-lum 
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), in collaboration with the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), hosted the 3rd International Conference themed "Open Science, Open Knowledge, Artificial Intelligence, and Climate Change in Africa" on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, Zaria.
Speaking at the event, ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as a tool of immense possibilities and challenges. He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to foster progress while addressing its ethical, social, and economic implications. Prof. Bala also underscored the need for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly its impact on industries like aviation.
Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, ABU’s Ag. University Librarian, welcomed participants, describing the conference as a "crossroad of knowledge and innovation" to tackle critical issues like open science, AI, and climate change. He reiterated the transformative role libraries play in fostering access to information and enabling research.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Dr. Emmanuel C. Meribole commended ABU and AAAU for their leadership in creating an environment for AI innovation and called for meaningful collaboration and data sharing to address pressing challenges.
Other notable speakers included AAAU Registrar, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, who praised the conference for blending global ambition with local relevance, and former ABU Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo Liman, who advocated for interdisciplinary research. The chairperson of the local organizing committee, Dr. Ibinaiye Dorcas, called for stronger collaboration between academics and policymakers.
The hybrid conference brought together experts and stakeholders to explore new pathways in addressing the pressing issues of AI, open knowledge, and climate change in Africa.
