The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has urged Nigerian universities to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems while embracing emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to equip graduates with skills needed in the global knowledge economy.
The emir made the call at the maiden International Hybrid Conference organised by the Faculty of Social Science Education of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Reimagining Knowledge Systems for Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century,’ the traditional ruler described education as the bedrock of national development and stressed that higher institutions must remain at the forefront of societal transformation.
He challenged researchers and policymakers to develop home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges through innovation, collaboration and quality education.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, digital scholarship and community engagement.
Prof. Bunkure described the conference as a major milestone that would strengthen the university’s drive to position itself as a centre of excellence in knowledge production and innovation.
Representing Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hajiya Maryam Yahaya Shaltali, said governments and educational institutions must rethink existing knowledge systems to remain relevant in the digital age.
She said the Zamfara State Government had continued to invest in quality education, research, innovation, teacher development and strategic partnerships to strengthen the education sector and promote sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loan Board, Prof. Yahaya Saleh, who represented Governor Uba Sani, highlighted the state’s investments in scholarships, teacher development, digital learning and educational infrastructure.
He urged universities to produce research capable of shaping public policy and addressing societal challenges.
The lead paper presenter and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Prof. Gideon G. Goshit, called for stronger collaboration among universities, government agencies, industry and development partners to strengthen the education sector.
He also advocated the integration of indigenous African knowledge with modern science and technology to drive inclusive and sustainable development.