RSU to Launch Artificial Intelligence Policy for Teaching, Learning, and Research

Rivers State University (RSU) has announced plans to unveil a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy designed to transform teaching, learning, and research.

The initiative is expected to position the institution among the first Nigerian universities to formally adopt an AI framework, reflecting RSU’s commitment to modernize academic practices and prepare students for the demands of the digital era.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this known at the 118th Inaugural Lecture of the institution titled, “From Algorithms To Impact: Harnessing Emerging Technologies For Socio-Economic Transformation,” delivered last week by Professor Daniel Matthias of the Department of Computer Science.

In his closing remarks, Professor Zeb-Obipi disclosed that the university’s Senate was already considering the draft policy aimed at mainstreaming AI into both academics and administration. “Right now, Senate is considering our AI policy tending to mainstream the technology into our academics and administration,” he said.

Responding to recommendations from the Inaugural Lecturer, the Vice Chancellor stressed that the university would not permit unchecked or illegal use of AI in academic research. He explained that the policy would specify the permissible percentage of AI-generated content in doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s research projects to safeguard originality. “The idea is to avoid researchers just picking everything from AI and regurgitating the same to the institution. They will be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and will be rejected if they fail to pass the test. So, I am sounding the warning now, and that also includes lecturers,” he cautioned.

Professor Zeb-Obipi further revealed that his administration was actively developing the digital capacity of staff members through the Computer Access Programme (CAP), ensuring that academic and non-academic personnel align with the university’s digital transformation agenda. He warned that official correspondence would soon be conducted exclusively via email, urging staff who had not enrolled in the programme to do so without delay.

Highlighting RSU’s Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) capacity, he noted that over 400 students and teachers had received training on emerging technologies during the last holiday, demonstrating the university’s readiness for digital advancement.

On strengthening University-Industry-Government partnerships, Professor Zeb-Obipi pointed to the University-Industry Special Purpose Vehicle and the Departmental-Industry Day as strategic platforms for collaboration, mentorship, and innovation.

The 118th Inaugural Lecture was well attended by members of the university community and guests from across the country. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that RSU was making significant contributions to national development through quality research across diverse academic fields.