The International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), Nigeria National Centre, has held a sensitisation workshop at Ahmadu Bel...
The International Institute of Online Education (IIOE), Nigeria National Centre, has held a sensitisation workshop at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, aimed at fostering gender inclusion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity building and leadership.
The event, which drew a total of 926 participants—147 physically and 779 virtually—was held at the Yusufu Bala Usman Hall under the theme: “Women Leading Change in Africa: Future Higher Education Professionals and Leadership in the Intelligence Era.”
According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, ABU, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described the workshop as a significant milestone in the drive for inclusive innovation in the AI era.
Prof. Ahmed, who was represented by the Coordinator of the Gender Policy Unit, Prof. Rahanatu Lawal, said, “This event is more than just a meeting; it is a significant step towards a more equitable future. As AI reshapes our world at an incredible pace, women must be active leaders and innovators in this space.”
He added that by promoting gender inclusion in AI, the university was “not just doing what is right but building a stronger, more creative, and more effective AI ecosystem.”
Welcoming participants, Dr Nafisa Shehu Usman of the Department of Computer Engineering explained that the initiative was part of the broader UNESCO-ICHE’s IIOE programme, being implemented in Nigeria through ABU’s National Centre. She noted that the goal is to move women in higher education from mere users of digital tools to leaders in the AI era.
Dr Nafisa disclosed that IIOE plans to engage at least 4,500 participants by 2027, with 1,500 women receiving training and micro-certifications in AI-related fields. “For 2025 alone, we are targeting 1,500 participants, with no fewer than 500 women actively engaged,” she said.
In her view, the initiative is not just a programme but “a movement towards building an education system where innovation is inclusive, policies are relevant, and no one is left behind.”
Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Digital Skills for the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Nigerian Higher Education,” the CEO of GMIND AI, Dr Success Ojo, emphasised the importance of AI and data analytics in future leadership. She cited curriculum reform and the integration of digital literacy as major achievements in that direction.
Dr Yusuf Ibrahim, also of the Department of Computer Engineering, in his presentation, “Reimagining Teaching and Learning Through AI: What It Means for Women in Academia,” noted that early decision-making shapes equity outcomes. He said the country was already drafting a national AI strategy to support inclusive and ethical adoption.
Similarly, Surayya Ahmad, founder of TechTank Labs, highlighted the digital divide, particularly in northern Nigeria. “Less than 40 percent of women in northern Nigeria use smartphones,” she said, urging investment in education and access to digital tools.
Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Maryam Aminu, in a goodwill message, said the future of higher education depends on embracing innovation and inclusion. “AI is no longer just a tool for the future—it is shaping research, teaching, and leadership today,” she stated.
The Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Engr. Kabiru Muazu, also lauded the initiative. Represented by Mrs Florence O. Paul, Head of NARICT’s ICT Unit, he said gender inclusion is key to realising AI’s full potential in solving societal challenges.
A live demonstration of the IIOE platform was conducted by Dr Habiba Atta of the Department of Microbiology, who urged women to embrace digital learning and register on the platform. She shared that her exposure to digital tools grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her closing remarks, Dr Basira Yahaya, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, thanked participants and encouraged them to join IIOE’s upcoming lecture series running until December 2026.
The event concluded with the announcement of winners of the IIOE National Centre Competition. Engr Sandra Chioma Nwokoye of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emerged first with a ₦500,000 cash prize. Dr Yusuf Zakari of ABU came second with ₦300,000, while Abdulsalam B. Ibrahim of ABU’s Health Services clinched third place with ₦200,000.
The workshop was part of a broader initiative to integrate gender equity into the digital transformation of higher education in Africa.
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