As the global AI revolution accelerates, Nigerian higher education stands at a critical juncture. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence tools—from generative text models to powerful analytical systems—is transforming how students learn, researchers innovate, and universities operate. But with change comes risk. Without a clear AI policy for Nigerian universities, our institutions face threats to academic integrity, educational equity, and global competitiveness.
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The AI Tsunami: Risks and Opportunities
AI’s emergence is not theoretical—it’s real, sweeping, and democratizing knowledge. Nigerian students are increasingly using platforms like ChatGPT, GPT‑4, Germini, Copilot, and Grammarly to craft essays, reports, and even exam answers. As Ridwan Kolawole of the University of Ibadan said, “AI is like a second brain… but it cannot replace your own thinking.”
While AI offers unprecedented benefits—streamlining research, enabling access to global knowledge, assisting disabled learners—it also brings unintended consequences: overreliance, intellectual laziness, and plagiarism. News accounts from across the country describe students constantly “moving content across diverse AI software to avoid detection.” In some quarters, educators warn of a “sharp rise in plagiarism and intellectual laziness” that could weaken the fabric of our educational system.
Yet, write-offs are inadequate. AI’s power can be harnessed to accelerate learning, spur innovation, and build local solutions. A transformative case exists in university labs and faculty initiatives. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) pioneered this approach: engaging global subspecialists and creating a policy on ethical AI usage, not to suppress innovation, but to guide its responsible and constructive use.

Nigeria’s AI Policy Push: Momentum Builds
Recognising the stakes, stakeholders across higher education are urgently calling for national and institutional AI frameworks.
- In February 2025, during the inaugural AI Awareness Day in Higher Education (co-hosted by NOUN, NUC, TETFund, and others), experts called for legislation to “back a comprehensive national Artificial Intelligence policy” with clear goals and execution plans.
- Also in February, UNILAG’s Deputy VC for Academics emphasised that “if we say no to AI, we are deceiving ourselves,” noting the need for policies that preserve critical thinking and academic integrity.
- A Punch report highlighted calls from a UNILAG professor for a national AI education policy, research grants, skills development, and incentives for institutions.
- Most recently, the VC of the University of Ibadan warned: “Nigeria needs a national AI policy now… Failure to act swiftly may leave Nigeria lagging behind.”
- Additional expert recommendations from legal analysts include algorithm audits, human oversight, AI explainability, and public awareness campaigns.

These activities paint a clear pattern: a groundswell of voices calling for urgent policymaking at both national and institutional levels. The question now is: Why the delay?
Why Prompt Action Is Imperative
a. Protecting Academic Integrity
Without defined guidelines, AI tools are already being used surreptitiously to complete assignments and tests. Students without adequate AI literacy risk misusing tools or depending too heavily on them. A national policy would set clear boundaries, detailing proportional use, citation norms, and support for faculty to detect misuse.
b. Building Local Capacity
Nigeria cannot remain a passive consumer of foreign AI platforms. Policymaking ensures we train students and faculty to develop tools tailored to our regions, supporting local languages, healthcare systems, and educational content. The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative already emphasises AI skills for digital competitiveness, but a university-level policy would embed these efforts into formal curricula.
c. Ensuring Equitable Access
AI tools require reliable internet, electricity, and digital devices. In many Nigerian universities, basic ICT infrastructure remains underdeveloped. A policy could mandate institutional investment in digital infrastructure, teacher training, and student access, helping bridge the digital divide.
d. Maintaining Global Relevance
The international academic community is rapidly adopting AI for personalised learning, admissions, research tools, plagiarism detection, and student support. Without corresponding policies, Nigerian universities risk being sidelined in global collaborations and rankings.
What a Strong AI Policy Should Include
Experts suggest several core elements for a robust university-level AI policy:
- Curriculum Integration & AI Literacy
Gradually embed AI literacy—covering algorithmic reasoning, prompt engineering, and ethics—into existing courses and across faculties. - Academic Integrity & Usage Guidelines
Clearly define where and how AI tools may be used (e.g., draft support vs. final submission), and enforce consequences for misuse. - Teacher Training & Resource Provision
Empower educators with AI training to detect misuse, incorporate AI use into teaching, and assess student work appropriately. - Technology Infrastructure Investment
Ensure campuses provide reliable connectivity, access to approved AI platforms, and tech support for both staff and students. - Research Support & Grants
Prioritise AI-centred research by providing specific funding, grants, and support structures—including collaboration with the private sector—echoing calls from UNILAG professors. - Ethical Oversight & Governance
Set up review boards for AI projects, conduct algorithm audits, assess data privacy, and ensure transparency of AI tool usage. - Public Engagement & Literacy Campaigns
Universities should lead public information drives about AI’s benefits, risks, and ethical considerations—amplifying broader national awareness.
Success Stories & Global References
- University of Lagos (UNILAG) has already taken meaningful steps: convening international workshops, drafting an ethical AI policy, and pitching it for Senate approval.
- University of Ibadan (UI) is vocal about Nigeria’s need for a cohesive national strategy backed by human oversight.
- Award initiatives at institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University, Lagos State University, and Thomas Adewumi University recognise leadership in AI policy, research, and curriculum development, foreshadowing the benefits of early adoption.
- Internationally, universities in Europe, North America, and Asia are underwriting AI frameworks around ethics, bias mitigation, and data transparency. A Nigerian policy aligned with global standards would facilitate international student exchanges, joint research, and funding opportunities.
From Policy to Practice: A Roadmap
Step 1: National Coordination
Set up a task force led by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Ministry of Education, in partnership with tech agencies like NITDA and innovation initiatives like 3MTT.
Step 2: Institutional Templates
Create adaptable guidelines for universities, helping them develop context-specific policies that align with local strengths, disciplines, and challenges.
Step 3: Stakeholder Engagement
Consult students, faculty, tech firms, employers, civil society, and legal experts. Equip judges and regulators with the knowledge to interpret AI-related laws and rules.
Step 4: Pilot Programs & Sandboxes
Launch testbeds at early adopter institutions like UNILAG, UI, and Covenant University, monitoring usage, academic outcomes, and integrity metrics.
Step 5: Scale & Reinforce
Roll out policy across all 283 universities registered with the NUC. Require compliance through evaluation and audits.
Step 6: Adapt & Evolve
AI is dynamic. Policies must be reviewed regularly in collaboration with global AI ethics bodies, UNESCO, and tech-policy think tanks.
Long-Term Impact of AI Policy
A well-crafted AI policy for Nigerian universities will:
- Preserve academic integrity while empowering creativity.
- Equip graduates with globally competitive AI fluency.
- Generate homegrown AI tools in local languages and service domains.
- Reduce cheating through proper tracking and evaluation.
- Attract global investments and research collaborations.
A Call to Action: Let’s Not Miss the Moment
The AI train is moving fast, and Nigeria can’t afford to be left behind. With sound policy in place, our universities can transform from passive users into active builders of AI solutions, improving education quality and elevating international standing. It’s time for policymakers, university leaders, and society to work together in crafting strong, sustainable, and ethical AI frameworks.
We have the momentum. Experts, VCs, and presidents are calling for action. The backbone is already forming. What remains is a commitment to institutionalise and enforce a robust AI strategy for our universities.
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