The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has provided training to 31 lecturers from the Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi on topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital research tools, and blockchain technology, aimed at improving academic integrity, fostering research innovation, and ensuring knowledge verification.
This one-day capacity-building training took place on Wednesday at the college’s premises in Kano state, focusing on the applications of Artificial Intelligence in academic research, the use of AI and digital tools for research and data management, as well as the role of blockchain in maintaining academic integrity and verifying knowledge.
During the event, CITAD’s executive director, Y. Z. Ya’u, who was represented by the organisation’s communication officer, Ali Sabo, stated that the initiative aims to address what he referred to as a “glaring knowledge gap” in emerging technologies within higher education institutions in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that the Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi is the fourth institution to benefit from this programme, following Bayero University Kano, KHAIRUN University, and Baba Ahmed University.
Sabo further mentioned that research conducted by CITAD indicated that less than 10 percent of universities in the region currently offer courses related to blockchain or financial technology.
He remarked: “Lagos is already being referred to as Africa’s innovation capital, while Northern Nigeria is falling behind.
Through this programme, we are bringing innovation directly to universities so they can impart it to their students.
