UNILAG Launches 18th Annual Research Conference on AI
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) commenced its 18th Annual Research Conference on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, spotlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, work, and national development.
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The University of Lagos (UNILAG) commenced its 18th Annual Research Conference on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, spotlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, work, and national development.
The three-day event, themed The Future of Work, Education and Well-Being in the AI Age, was held at Tayo Aderinokun Hall and attracted top figures from academia, industry, and the diplomatic corps.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bola Oboh, and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Professor Solomon Okunuga, welcomed participants, noting the conference’s growth and impact. Prof. Oboh highlighted that UNILAG has disbursed over one billion naira in research grants since 1983, strengthening faculty capacity and fostering confidence to pursue national and international grants. Of 208 abstracts submitted, 177 were accepted for presentation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, emphasized the need for research to address national priorities and encouraged academics to embrace AI as a tool for indigenous development, particularly in food security, health, and education. She urged faculty to influence AI knowledge from an African perspective and prepare students for a digitally-driven future.
The keynote address, delivered by Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited, framed AI as a transformative force across all sectors. He reassured that educators remain indispensable, though their roles will evolve into mentors, facilitators, and designers of project-based learning that leverage AI tools while fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy. Prof. Adeyanju called on researchers to actively shape Nigeria’s digital future rather than remain passive observers.
Goodwill messages included remarks from the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, who highlighted ongoing collaborations such as the €410 million Omi-Eko Electric Waterway Transport Project in Lagos, reinforcing the conference’s emphasis on strategic development and innovation.
