The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has urged Nigerian university leaders to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Governance Committees. This call aims to guide the responsible adoption of AI in university administration.
Conference Resolution in Kano
Rising from its eighth Biennial Conference in Kano State, COPSUN recommended that universities form committees specifically tasked with promoting the effective deployment of AI and digital governance across their operations. The group emphasized the need for institutions to develop digital integrity strategies covering finance, academic processes, and data protection to strengthen internal controls and safeguard information.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
In a statement by its Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, the committee advised universities to collaborate with anti-graft and intelligence agencies for joint training on server security and intelligence-sharing in managing university affairs. Omole also called on regulatory agencies to formulate policies limiting the number of universities a state may establish, warning that uncontrolled proliferation could strain resources and affect quality.
Funding and Financial Management
The conference addressed funding for state-owned universities and tasked state governors to increase financial support for institutions under their jurisdiction. COPSUN advised universities to seek endowments not only from alumni but also from capable stakeholders in society as part of efforts to diversify income sources. On financial management, the committee stressed that transparency and accountability should remain guiding principles.
Research and Innovation
COPSUN enjoined university administrations to strengthen research and development initiatives under the guidance of their governing councils. It further recommended that universities establish intellectual property and patent offices to transform research outputs into viable innovations. The conference resolved to engage the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) on the prospects and limitations of state universities in Nigeria.
The committee also emphasized the need for stronger synergy between universities and industries, noting that closer collaboration would help translate research funding into practical innovations that can contribute to economic development.
