The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said Nigeria urgently needs a clear national strategy and policy framework to harness emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), for sustainable development.
Sanusi stated this at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria held in Kano.
The programme themed, “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings.”
“This country needs a strategy. This country needs a policy framework. This country needs to be ready for the century that we are in,” he said.
The monarch urged Nigerian universities to take the lead in developing a national AI roadmap, stressing that institutions must go beyond teaching and research to actively shape policies that drive national growth.
He warned that Nigeria risks falling behind as other countries, including Ghana, have already developed and begun implementing comprehensive AI strategies aimed at youth training, data development and economic transformation.
Sanusi II emphasised the role of universities as pillars of civil society, noting that academic institutions must contribute to national discourse on governance, economy, science and technology.
“Without intellectuals, without academic freedom, the checks and balances required for a vibrant civil society will disappear,” he said.
He also commended state governments for recognising the importance of pro-chancellors in setting policy direction and strengthening governance in universities.
Earlier, the Chairman of COPSUN, Ayodeji Omole, said the conference highlighted the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges facing state-owned universities.
He noted that with over 60 such institutions across the country, regular engagement was critical to ensuring policy coherence, institutional coordination and improved governance.
Omole added that universities must adapt to evolving global realities, including technological advancements and shifting economic demands, through innovation and strategic planning.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Suleiman Wali Sani, said the state government had prioritised education as a key driver of development.
He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, digital learning, research and staff development across state-owned institutions, aimed at making them globally competitive.
The governor said the conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to generate practical solutions for improving university governance, funding, innovation and academic standards.
