Federal University of Lafia Vice‑Chancellor Highlights AI as Shaping Future of Education and Work

The Vice‑Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman — represented by the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Academic Affairs) designate Professor Ilemona Adofu — declared that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will shape the future of education, work and daily life in the 21st century.

He made the remark while officially opening the Second Hybrid International Conference on the Integration of AI in Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Research, jointly organized by the FULafia Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Nigeria Artificial Intelligence in Education (NigeriAIED).

The conference, themed “Empowering Educators in the Age of AI: Tools, Training and Transformations,” featured a welcome address by the Director of the FULafia AI Centre, Professor Dlama Joseph Zira, who stressed the urgency of driving AI adoption across Nigeria’s educational system. Mr. Akindubi Johnson D presented the NigeriAIED vision, warning that a lack of clear AI implementation strategies could widen existing learning and innovation gaps.

Keynote speaker Professor Aleruchi Chuku — FULafia’s incoming Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Administration), represented by Mrs. Salamatu Osanga — outlined the stages of AI adoption and its transformative importance for modern education. The lead paper, delivered by Dr. Emmanuel Eronu, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Abuja, examined emerging trends, ethical issues and practical pathways for integrating AI into institutional systems.

The two‑day event included panel discussions on AI adoption strategies, hands‑on training sessions and a Hackathon showcasing innovative projects by secondary‑school students — with Deeper Life Secondary School, Lafia winning first place.