No fewer than 27 universities across eight African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia, are set to gain from a groundbreaking three-day Generative AI in Computer Science Education Summit in Lagos from February 18 to 20.

The summit brought by a non-profit dedicated to advancing academic excellence, VarsityMentor, promises to equip university lecturers in computer science faculties with the latest tools, knowledge, and strategies in artificial intelligence, ultimately benefiting students and the broader African tech ecosystem.

It is funded by the GenAI in CS Education Consortium, established by the University of San Diego, United States of America.

The three-day program features workshops, presentations, Python and generative AI sessions, and panels with tech founders sharing real-world industry insights.

The event also aims to raise awareness, identify low-cost solutions, and advocate for long-term investment in AI infrastructure through collaboration with Ministries of Education.

Addressing newsmen at the press conference, Co-founder and Executive Director of VarsityMentor, Mr Obinna Anya, stressed the urgent need to align university education with real-world job opportunities.

“Through various research, more than over two thousand universities that we have in Africa churn out about three million graduates every year, and more than fifty percent of these young men and women end up never getting a job,” he said. “The goal of this summit is to bridge that gap. AI is already here, and part of the objective is to work with professors to reevaluate what we teach, so students are prepared for the age of AI.”

Adding to Anya’s point, Co-organizer, VarsityMentor GenAI Summit, Adekunle Adeyemo highlighted the importance of African educators taking the lead in shaping the continent’s tech future.

“If we don’t tell our own story, others will tell it for us,” Adeyemo said. “AI will only take the jobs of those unprepared. This summit ensures our educators can design models and curricula that prepare students to thrive, just as computers once enhanced rather than replaced jobs. AI is a tool, and Africa can still get it right.”

Organizer of the VarsityMentor GenAI Summit, Valerie Ehimhen, underscored the connection between AI skills and job creation.

“We cannot continue to churn out graduates with computer science degrees who have never worked with a computer or gained the right programming skills,” she said. “This summit ensures universities across Africa teach practical computer science skills, so graduates can secure jobs in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.”

By focusing on faculty development and pan-African collaboration, the summit aims to create a sustainable foundation for AI innovation, ensuring African students and universities remain globally competitive while solving local challenges with homegrown solutions.