‘Varsities must evolve into innovation ecosystems to leverage AI’

By : Adelowo  Adebumiti

Date: 11 December 2025 7:15am WAT

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Ken Opara

Ken Opara

Universities in the country have been urged to evolve into innovation ecosystems, rather than merely functioning as centres of instruction, in order to leverage the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drive national development.

Executive Director of Fidelity Bank and former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Ken Opara, made this call at the second lecture series organised by the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.

The lecture, titled: ‘Artificial Intelligence and the future of work: Opportunities and challenges for students, professionals, and institutions in a digital era’, aimed to explore the implications of AI on the future of work and the role of educational institutions in preparing students for this new reality.

According to Opara, the rapid growth of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for Nigerian universities. He advised students to develop data literacy, critical thinking, and digital ethics in order to thrive in a machine-assisted world driven by AI.

“In this digital era, progress will not depend solely on machines, but on humans who use them with wisdom and compassion,” he said.Opara emphasised that institutions that embrace research and digital innovation will lead national progress in the AI era. He urged universities to go beyond theory and embed AI literacy, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving across all disciplines.

While highlighting the potential economic benefits of AI, Opara said it could add over $15.7 trillion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, and up to $1.2 trillion to Africa’s cumulative GDP by 2035. In Nigeria, he disclosed that AI could contribute up to $50 billion to the economy by 2035.

However, Opara listed some of the challenges, including the potential automation of 40 per cent of administrative and clerical jobs in the next decade. He emphasised that what is needed is not fear, but readiness, re-skilling, and responsible innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clement Kolawole, echoed Opara’s sentiments, saying AI is revolutionising science, transforming scholarship, and influencing every facet of life. He said educational institutions must adapt to equip students for success in this new reality.

Kolawole also called on the federal government to invest in digital infrastructure, broadband access, and education reform, while ensuring that AI does not exacerbate existing inequalities. He also enjoined policymakers to create an environment that encourages innovation, while protecting privacy, security, and human rights.

The lecture provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and explore ways in which Nigerian universities can transform into innovation ecosystems that drive national development.

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