Prof. Foluso Ayeni, a Nigerian professor of Information Systems at the Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis
Kaduna State University (KASU) is at the forefront of Africa’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) movement with a compelling two-part seminar that unpacks both the promise and pitfalls of the technology.
Held under the themes “Generative AI in Sub-Saharan Africa: Diving into Uncharted Waters” and “AI-Driven Solutions and Information Systems: Shaping Smarter Schools for the Future,” the event brought together academics, students, and tech enthusiasts to examine the role of AI in education and institutional development.
At the heart of the session was Prof. Foluso Ayeni, a Nigerian professor of Information Systems at the Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis, who broke down the complex language of AI into accessible insights. From differentiating Machine Learning and Neural Networks, to explaining the spectrum of Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) to Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), Ayeni mapped out a rapidly evolving landscape.
He cited a PwC report showing that AI is now woven into global economic systems, with more than 50 popular tools generating over 24 billion visits. “AI is not just transforming business—it is recalibrating how institutions teach, research, and govern,” he said.
Nevertheless, despite its potential, AI in Sub-Saharan Africa faces several setbacks, including limited infrastructure, low adoption of AI tools, and research gaps. Ayeni urged universities and governments to view AI not as a luxury but as a necessity, and outlined practical frameworks to facilitate that transition.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Yushau Ibrahim Ango, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), praised the initiative as timely. “This conversation is not futuristic. It is crucial now if we must prepare our students and institutions for the world already reshaped by AI,” he said.
Professors Bala Dogo and James C. Igwe, leaders of the organising committee, echoed their commitment to ensuring KASU remains a hub for digital transformation and innovative learning, aligning academic frameworks with real-world technological demands.
