The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna) is on track to introduce a comprehensive academic programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as revealed by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta.

He made this announcement on Wednesday, 13th November 2024, during a courtesy visit by the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MSN) at the Council Chamber, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano, Minna, Niger State capital.

The visit was part of the 17th Annual Conference and Workshop organised by MSN in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS).

The workshop, with the theme “Emerging Solutions to Mycotoxin and Food Safety Challenges: The Role of Artificial Intelligence,” provided an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to outline the university’s plans.

He shared that the institution is draughting a policy framework to develop an AI curriculum that meets standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies, positioning FUT, Minna, as a pioneer in AI education among Nigerian universities.

Prof. Kuta welcomed the MSN delegation, expressing appreciation for choosing FUT, Minna, as the venue for the conference. He assured the society of the university’s commitment to fostering a long-term partnership, hopeful that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial.

He noted that the theme of the conference emphasised the importance of AI in tackling critical food safety issues in Nigeria.

In her address, the MSN National President, Prof. (Mrs.) Yemisi Adefunke Jeff-Agboola explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the partnership between MSN and FUT, Minnesota.

She highlighted that the conference aimed to raise awareness about the risks of mycotoxin contamination in food and to explore AI’s role in enhancing food safety.

Prof. Jeff Agboola noted that Niger State’s agricultural potential and central location made it an ideal venue for the conference. She envisioned it as a starting point for spreading knowledge across the country.

In her conclusion, the MSN National President thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for their support.