TETFund partners with agencies to boost AI studies in Nigerian universities

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled plans to collaborate with key agencies to advance the study of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This initiative is part of TETFund’s broader vision to position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation across Africa.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, emphasized the importance of AI as a transformative field critical to the country’s future. He noted that while AI remains underdeveloped in Nigeria, the organization is committed to building capacity and fostering growth in this area.

Echono highlighted that AI is one of the few disciplines for which TETFund still sponsors scholars for international training. “We don’t send anybody outside anymore. But AI is a new and expanding field. It is one of the few areas we are training people abroad because we want to lead in Africa,” he explained.

In addition to training, TETFund has supported the development of AI-focused textbooks covering topics such as teaching applications, ethics, and curriculum design. These resources aim to help universities integrate AI into their teaching and learning processes effectively.

Over the past two years, TETFund has trained more than 3,000 scholars in AI and other emerging ICT fields through partnerships with leading institutions. Additionally, over 17,000 educators have participated in the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program to improve their digital literacy.

Echono stressed that equipping teachers with ICT skills is essential for effective teaching in today’s digital world. “If the teacher is not ICT-savvy, even for him to put his lecture on the platform is a problem,” he said. The training also focuses on how educators can use ICT tools to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes.

TETFund is also making strides in robotics, aiming to catch up with global advancements despite being a late entrant in this field. “We want to leapfrog others in ICT and robotics. We are coming very strongly in robotics now,” Echono stated.

In book development, Echono revealed significant progress since he assumed office in 2022. Under his leadership, TETFund has published 50 books in 2023 alone, more than double what was achieved over the previous 13 years, and another 60 books shortly afterward. An additional 50 books are currently in production. These efforts aim to address gaps in academic resources across various disciplines.

Through its focus on AI, robotics, ICT training, and academic resource development, TETFund aims to ensure that Nigerian universities remain competitive on the global stage while preparing students for a tech-driven future.