By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Zaria
The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has called on Nigerian universities to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems while embracing emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to prepare graduates for the demands of the global knowledge economy.
The traditional ruler made the call during the maiden International Hybrid Conference organised by the Faculty of Social Science Education of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Reimagining Knowledge Systems for Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century,” the Emir described education as the foundation of national development, stressing that higher institutions must remain at the forefront of innovation and societal transformation.
He challenged researchers, academics and policymakers to develop home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges through quality education, innovation and strategic collaboration, while ensuring that indigenous knowledge is not lost in the digital era.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Suleiman Balarabe, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, digital scholarship and community engagement.
Prof. Balarabe described the conference as a significant milestone in the university’s quest to position itself as a centre of excellence in knowledge production, research and innovation.
Representing Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Education, Hajiya Maryam Yahaya Shaltali, said governments and educational institutions must rethink existing knowledge systems to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving digital age.
She noted that the Zamfara State Government has continued to invest in quality education, research, innovation, teacher development and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the education sector and promoting sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loan Board, Prof. Yahaya Saleh, who represented Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, highlighted the state’s investments in scholarships, digital learning, teacher capacity building and educational infrastructure. He urged universities to produce research capable of influencing public policy and addressing pressing societal challenges.
Delivering the lead paper, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Prof. Gideon G. Goshit, advocated stronger collaboration among universities, government institutions, industry and development partners to reposition Nigeria’s education sector. He also called for the integration of indigenous African knowledge with modern science and technology to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
In his remarks, the host of the conference, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Ladi, expressed optimism that the resolutions reached at the conference would contribute to educational reforms, strengthen higher education institutions and support Nigeria’s drive toward sustainable national development.
