Kwara State Government has called for stronger partnerships between governments, researchers, investors and innovators to develop and expand artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and public administration.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the appeal in Ilorin during the 4th Biennial International Conference jointly organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, and the Faculty of Philology, Rudn University, Russia.
Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Saadu Salau, the governor stressed that collaboration between the public sector and technology stakeholders was essential for harnessing the full benefits of digital innovation.
He urged stakeholders to actively support pilot projects and large-scale deployment of AI-driven solutions aimed at improving service delivery and development outcomes.
AbdulRazaq also emphasised the importance of human capacity development, noting that technology can only be effective when users are properly trained and equipped.
According to him, initiatives such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub and TechUnlimited programme are already training thousands of young people in software development, data analysis and foundational AI skills.
He disclosed that Kwara State has positioned itself as a strategic partner for global tech firms, citing agreements with international and private sector organisations aimed at boosting innovation, infrastructure and digital skills development.
The governor mentioned partnerships with organisations such as the U.S. Embassy, IHS Towers and MTN, describing them as structured collaborations focused on connectivity, cloud services and youth empowerment rather than conventional corporate social responsibility projects.
He added that the state’s long-term vision is to make Ilorin and Kwara a leading destination for technology investment and talent development in West Africa.
Highlighting reforms in the education sector, AbdulRazaq pointed to the KwaraLEARN programme, which uses data-driven tools to improve learning outcomes in public primary schools across the state’s 16 local government areas.
He also called for the establishment of strong legal and ethical frameworks to guide the deployment of artificial intelligence, warning that innovation without regulation could create unintended consequences.
“Technology must be guided by laws and ethics,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, described the digital revolution as fundamentally human-driven, noting that the real challenge lies in how technology is applied responsibly.
He said universities remain central to shaping ethical standards, knowledge systems and critical thinking in the age of rapid digital transformation.
Citing data from the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System, Adeniyi revealed that electronic payment transactions in Nigeria reached N1.07 quadrillion in 2024, while NIBSS Instant Payments recorded N285 trillion in the first quarter of 2025.
He noted that Nigeria’s payment infrastructure has gained continental recognition as Africa’s most advanced instant payment system.
Adeniyi further explained that Nigeria has transitioned from a cash-dominated economy to a digitally driven financial system, where mobile devices now serve as banking and commercial platforms.
He also referenced global e-commerce growth figures, noting significant expansion in digital trade across multiple countries in recent years.
On artificial intelligence, the Customs chief said AI should be seen as an assistive tool rather than a replacement for human intelligence, stressing that machines operate on data patterns but lack human understanding and judgment.
He added that AI can support universities in areas such as grading, content development and translation, but cannot replace teachers in mentoring and value formation.
“The machine handles processes, but the teacher gives meaning,” he said.
Adeniyi also highlighted how AI is already improving customs operations by enhancing cargo detection, trade monitoring and transparency in revenue processes.
He called for a review of university curricula to include stronger emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, communication and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Muhtar Adeiza), described the conference theme as timely, given the rapid global shift in digital innovation.
He expressed optimism that the conference would produce actionable insights for sustainable development and responsible technology use.
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Saudat Abdulbaqi, noted that the gathering brought together experts from Africa, Europe and Asia to explore the intersection of human intelligence and artificial intelligence in promoting inclusive and ethical development.