The University of Lagos (UNILAG) says it is advancing equitable, future-ready education through responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.

The university disclosed this on Friday in a statement on its website following the Faculty of Education annual lecture held at the institution.

The lecture, titled “Bridging Educational Inequalities Through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation in Resource-Constrained Contexts,” attracted academics, policymakers, students, corporate stakeholders and university officials.

The statement said the event examined innovative strategies for improving access to quality education, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Representing the vice-chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, deputy vice-chancellor, development services, Foluso Lesi, described AI as a transformative force reshaping global knowledge creation and dissemination.

Mr Lesi said universities must embrace emerging technologies to remain relevant and equip graduates with the competencies required for the evolving digital economy.

He noted that the transition from analogue to digital systems offered universities opportunities to redefine teaching, learning and research.

According to him, innovation remains central to UNILAG’s vision of producing graduates capable of thriving in a technology-driven world.

Earlier, the dean of the Faculty of Education, Simeon Oladipo, thanked the university management for supporting the faculty’s programmes and annual lecture.

Mr Oladipo described the lecture as an important platform for addressing contemporary educational challenges and advancing intellectual discourse.

He said AI had expanded research opportunities, accelerated knowledge generation and created new possibilities for teaching and learning.

The dean reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to promoting innovative teaching practices that prepare learners for global realities.

Delivering the keynote lecture, public intellectual Jibril Ibrahim described the theme as timely and commended UNILAG’s contributions to academic excellence and national development.

Mr Ibrahim said quality education remained a powerful tool for national transformation, poverty reduction, social mobility and economic growth.

He added that responsible deployment of AI could expand access to learning regardless of geography, economic status or social background.

The scholar, however, stressed that technology alone could not solve educational challenges without visionary leadership, sound policies, digital infrastructure and sustained investment.

He also advocated ethical governance, equity and inclusion to ensure technological innovation delivers meaningful educational outcomes.

The statement added that the event featured awards and scholarships recognising outstanding contributions to education, scholarship and national development.

Recipients of the awards included Mr Ogunsola; dean of education, Simeon Oladipo; dean of postgraduate studies, Abraham Osinubi; and retired professors Uchenna Udeani and Mercy Onwuama. 

(NAN)