Pantami Urges Nigerian Universities to Establish AI Task Forces
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on Nigerian universities to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) task forces to ensure the responsible and ethical use of the technology in education, research, and administration.
Pantami, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the African Union’s 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council, made the call on Monday at the opening of a three-day national conference organised by the Faculty of Education, Gombe State University, themed “Generative AI: Transforming Education—Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations.”
Delivering the keynote address, Pantami discussed five key areas: Introduction to AI, Generative AI and Its Mechanisms, AI’s Role in Education, Opportunities and Ethical Challenges, and Recommendations for Institutions.
He traced the evolution of artificial intelligence from basic machine learning systems to today’s advanced generative AI models capable of reasoning, creativity, and original content production — including text, images, voice, and computer code.
Highlighting the vast potential of AI, Pantami noted that the technology could create up to 97 million jobs globally and add $15 trillion to the world’s GDP by 2030. He cited examples of AI-powered academic tools such as Zotero, Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, and Chat Academia, which he said are transforming teaching and research.
“AI will not replace human beings, but those who learn how to use it will replace those who fail to learn it,” Pantami said.
He, however, warned that rapid AI adoption presents challenges related to academic integrity, data privacy, security risks, and algorithmic bias. He noted that some students now rely entirely on AI to complete assignments and theses, threatening originality and fairness in academia.
To address these issues, Pantami addressed universities to adopt a proactive governance model by setting up dedicated AI task forces comprising academics, legal experts, non-teaching staff, and AI specialists.
His recommendations included:
Establishing institutional task forces to draft AI use guidelines for students and staff.
Providing continuous training to enable faculty to integrate responsible AI into teaching and research.
Investing in AI-detection and plagiarism tools to safeguard academic integrity.
Encouraging AI-focused student startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act (2022).
Increasing funding for AI research and innovation to keep Nigeria globally competitive.
Pantami emphasized that integrating ethical AI studies into university curricula is vital for preparing students to compete in a technology-driven global economy.
He further commended Gombe State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sani Ahmad Yauta, Dean of Education, Prof. O.A. Adepoju, and LOC Chairman, Dr. Zubair Suleiman, for organizing what he described as a “timely and essential conference” for Nigeria’s education sector.