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…as AKSCOE Charts New Digital Future
By Saviour Ekpe
The Akwa Ibom State College of Education (AKSCOE), Afaha Nsit, has taken a bold step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital education landscape with the successful hosting of an International Conference, Seminar and Hands-on Training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), culminating in a communiqué calling for the widespread integration of emerging technologies into higher education.
The three-day conference, held from July 20 to 22, 2026 was organised by the College in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and MOC-LLC, USA. It attracted policymakers, academics, researchers, technology experts, students and other stakeholders from across the country and beyond.
Participants engaged in keynote lectures, technical sessions, seminars and practical hands-on training centred on the conference theme: “Large Dataset Morphological Erosion, Dilation and 3-D Contour Structural Analysis for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications in Applied Interdisciplinary Research.”
At the end of the conference, participants issued a communiqué describing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as indispensable tools for modern teaching, learning, research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making. They stressed that Nigerian tertiary institutions must urgently embrace AI, Machine Learning, data science and other emerging educational technologies to remain globally competitive.
The communiqué urged universities, colleges of education and polytechnics to integrate AI and digital technologies into their academic curricula, research programmes and administrative systems, noting that the future of education will be driven by intelligent technologies capable of improving learning outcomes, institutional efficiency and research productivity.
Participants also emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for lecturers and other academic staff, recommending regular digital capacity-building programmes to equip educators with the skills required for technology-driven teaching, research and community service.
Recognising that digital transformation depends largely on enabling infrastructure, the conference called on governments at all levels to significantly increase investment in reliable internet connectivity, modern computer laboratories, smart classrooms, high-performance computing facilities and stable electricity supply. Such investments, they noted, would provide the foundation for effective AI education and research across Nigeria.
The conference further urged regulatory bodies, particularly the NBTE and NCCE to sustain policies that encourage the integration of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies into teacher education and technical education programmes. Participants maintained that regulatory support would accelerate institutional adoption and standardisation of AI-related curricula nationwide.
Mindful of emerging concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence, the conference recommended that educational institutions develop comprehensive ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI. These frameworks, according to the communiqué, should promote transparency, accountability, academic integrity, data privacy and responsible innovation.
Participants also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among higher institutions, government agencies, industry partners and international organisations to stimulate research, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable funding opportunities within Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.
The conference commended the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, noting that the administration’s ARISE Agenda has continued to prioritise digital transformation and create an enabling environment for technology-driven development across the state.
Special recognition was also accorded to Dr. Mfon Okpok for his commitment and sacrificial donations towards the Artificial Intelligence initiative, while the NBTE and NCCE were applauded for facilitating the programme. The management of Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, under the leadership of the Acting Provost, Dr. Jeremiah Peter Iweh, received commendation for successfully hosting the international conference and demonstrating commitment to digital capacity development in Nigeria’s education sector.
In a major resolution, participants unanimously agreed that the conference should become an annual event to deepen knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional collaboration and accelerate the advancement of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning education across Nigeria.
The conference concluded with participants expressing appreciation to the organisers, resource persons, partner institutions and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of what was described as the maiden edition of the international conference. They pledged to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the programme towards improving teaching, research, innovation and sustainable national development. The communiqué was signed by Dr. Ubong Harrison, Chairman of the Planning Committee, and Mr. Imaikop Akpan, Secretary of the Planning Committee and Project Coordinator.
