Posted by Chinenye on Tue 13th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
The Federal Government wants Nigerian universities to change how they teach and manage their schools by using modern technology.
(Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad. Photo by Nigeria Stories)
The Federal Government wants Nigerian universities to adopt artificial intelligence and digital tools, but also to tighten rules on compliance, governance and accountability.
Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad made the call on Tuesday while opening the 2026 retreat of the NUC and vice-chancellors in Abuja.
She said universities around the world are being reshaped by AI, online learning, data tools and new funding models.
She warned that using AI must come with safeguards on academic integrity, ethics and data protection, and that schools should set clear policies for it.
She also urged vice-chancellors to be open and accountable in money matters, procurement, hiring, promotions, admissions and exams.
She said universities must do more than hand out degrees and should become centres for research, innovation and industry growth.
NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu said the commission has brought in new rules on honorary doctorates, with penalties for breaches.
It has also started post-matriculation monitoring and carrying capacity visits to check admissions.
A post-accreditation monitoring system is on the way.
Ribadu said the commission has finished a review that produced Blueprint 2.0 for reviving university education.
It is also working on a National AI Roadmap and Policy Framework for universities, and has launched e-NUC, a platform to automate its work.
He warned that going digital takes more than buying software and equipment.
Schools need the right policies, training and cybersecurity.
On funding, he said universities should look for partners in the private sector, alumni groups and development agencies, as long as those deals fit their goals and the rules.
The NUC has partnerships with the World Bank, the French Development Agency and the African Development Bank.
The retreat runs from October 13 to 14 at NUC headquarters and brings together vice-chancellors from federal, state and private universities, along with education officials and union leaders.
Organisers hope it will produce a communiqué with practical steps.