Igbinedion University Trains Lecturers, Staff on AI Tools to Boost Teaching and Research

Igbinedion University, Okada, has conducted a two-day intensive training programme for lecturers and staff aimed at equipping them with practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills for improved teaching, research, and institutional development.

The training, themed “Adapting AI in Higher Learning Engagements,” featured hands-on sessions on the application of AI tools in academic work and was facilitated by AI expert, Darlington Onyeagoro.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, described the initiative as part of the university’s broader commitment to innovation and digital transformation. He noted that integrating AI into academic processes would enhance teaching delivery, strengthen research output, and improve global competitiveness.

The event was formally declared open by the Deputy Chancellor, Chief (Dr.) Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, who stressed the importance of continuous capacity building in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven education system.

During the training, Onyeagoro introduced participants to a range of AI tools, including ChatGPT for content generation, Gemini for research assistance, Claude for document analysis, Gamma for presentations, NotebookLM for knowledge synthesis, and Lovable.dev for application development. He also highlighted creative tools such as Nano Banana, Whisk, and Veo for media and video production.

He emphasized that proficiency in selected AI tools could significantly improve efficiency in lecture preparation, assessment design, research productivity, and student engagement.

Participants described the training as insightful and transformative. The Dean of the College of Law, Prof. Nat Ofo, said the programme provided a clearer understanding of how AI can be effectively integrated into teaching and research, while commending the university leadership for the initiative.

Engr. Randolph Opute of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering described the session as highly impactful, noting that it exposed participants to the wide-ranging applications of AI in academia.

Similarly, Okunrobo Mary of the Department of Pharmacognosy appreciated the training, stating that it would enhance her ability to organize lecture materials, design presentations, and develop academic platforms.

The Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Prof. Longy Anyanwu, described the training as practical and effective, noting that participants were able to directly engage with AI tools and observe real-time applications.

The Dean of the Postgraduate School and Research, Prof. Deborah Omotsefe Odejimi, also commended the programme, stating that it broadened participants’ understanding of AI use cases in teaching, research, and productivity.

The training covered key concepts including machine learning, natural language processing, and prompt engineering, alongside practical applications such as automated lecture note generation, assessment design, and academic writing support for educators.