The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has called for the adoption o...
Speaking at the opening of the First Annual National Conference of the Faculty of Specialised Education in Zaria on Monday, Bunkure said universities must embrace technology-driven and learner-centred approaches to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving global knowledge economy.
The conference, themed "Leveraging Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Transformation: Connecting Educators, Researchers, Professionals and Policymakers in the Digital Age," brought together academics, policymakers and education professionals to examine the role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming education.
Bunkure described the conference as a demonstration of the university's commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and practical solutions to contemporary educational challenges.
He commended the Faculty of Specialised Education for organising the maiden conference and expressed optimism that it would become a flagship academic event for the institution.
The vice-chancellor said the conference theme aligns with the university's strategic plan, which prioritises digital transformation, adding that technology should be viewed as an opportunity to bridge educational gaps rather than a barrier to learning.
According to him, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, digital literacy and innovative teaching methods is necessary to prepare graduates for an increasingly technology-driven world.
Bunkure also reaffirmed the university's commitment to inclusive education, stressing that all learners, irrespective of physical ability, socio-economic background or learning needs, deserve equal access to quality education.
Drawing from his recent engagements in Kenya and Singapore, he said discussions at an international summit underscored a global shift from the traditional Triple Helix collaboration involving universities, government and industry to the Quadruple Helix framework, which incorporates civil society to ensure research addresses societal needs.
He maintained that stronger collaboration among universities, industry, government and communities, supported by AI and digital innovation, would accelerate Nigeria's knowledge economy.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Specialised Education, Prof. Halima Yusuf Audi, said the conference was organised to explore how technology and AI could promote inclusive, equitable and innovative education.
She urged educators to deploy digital tools to expand access to quality education, improve learning outcomes and support sustainable educational development.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the occasion and Director of the Centre for Girls' Education, Zaria, Hajiya Habibah Muhammad, said technology should be leveraged to reduce educational inequalities and ensure that no learner is excluded because of social, economic or physical limitations.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Prof. Abbas Mahmud described digital transformation as a comprehensive restructuring of educational systems rather than the mere deployment of computers or learning management systems.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deficiencies in Nigeria's higher education sector, including inadequate e-learning infrastructure, poor broadband penetration, unreliable electricity supply and limited internet access.
Mahmud, however, commended the Federal Government's ICT investments through TETFund and the National Universities Commission's Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for introducing compulsory courses in Educational Technology and Digital Assessment.
He advocated inclusive digital policies, the adoption of Universal Design for Learning principles and the integration of indigenous languages into digital learning resources to improve access for students with special needs.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute, Mando, Kaduna, Prof. Abduljalal Danbaba, described the conference theme as timely and pledged to recommend a special intervention package from the Speaker's office to strengthen the Faculty of Specialised Education.
Danbaba disclosed that one of the Speaker's constituency projects is the establishment of specialised primary and secondary schools for learners with disabilities in Zaria.
He also called for greater investment in electricity, broadband connectivity and ICT infrastructure to support meaningful digital transformation in the education sector.
The conference featured lead paper presentations on technology-driven education, AI, inclusive learning and sustainable educational transformation by Prof. Akeem Adewale Sulaiman and Prof. Onyeka Festus Mbalisi of the University of Port Harcourt, alongside a cultural performance by students of the Primary Education programme.
The event attracted principal officers of the university, academics, researchers, students and delegates from within and outside the institution.
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