UNILAG’s IASA Calls for AI-Friendly Policies at Diplomatic Conference

By Iman Aiyeola, Success Essien, and Mosimiloluwa Kupoluyi

The International Affairs Students Association (IASA) has called on the government to implement policies that support the use and development of artificial intelligence.

This call was made during its Annual Diplomatic Conference held on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The event brought delegates from different departments, including Social Work and Political Science, who represented China, the USA, Nigeria, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

The conference featured guests like Professor Maryam Quadri, the former Head of the Department of Political Science; Professor Ferdinand Ottoh, the Head of the Department of Political Science and Staff Adviser, IASA; Dr Bamidele Olajide, and Dr Felix Awosika.

Others are respected lecturers from the Department of Political Science, along with representatives from the IASA Alumni Network, including the former president, Mr. Solomon Temitope, current IASA members, and other UNILAG students, also attended.

Delivering the keynote speech on the theme “Youth Led AI for Sustainable Development”, Mr Kelechi Njoku, a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), spoke on the need for youth inclusion in AI and governance.

His presentation focused on tailoring global AI frameworks to work on a domestic level, the creation of a global AI fund, and stronger public-private partnerships to support youth innovation.

He emphasised the importance of equipping the youth with necessary skills in the use of AI, to ensure it is utilised ethically, and to its full potential.

“It’s up to us to move ahead and take everyone along with us”, he said.

In his closing speech, IASA President, Baki Adams, urged delegates to continue learning and to see diplomacy as a tool for promoting unity and understanding among nations.

He also presented a written resolution calling for youth inclusion in AI governance, the creation of a global AI fund, and stronger public-private partnerships to support innovation.

Speaking to UNILAG Sun, he reiterated the importance of youth involvement in AI, diplomacy, and policy formulation.

“There will be constraints, yes, but in whatever little way you can, get involved,” he said.

“Be it through volunteering, idea creation, design thinking, whatever it is. Just get involved.”

The conference concluded with the launch of the second edition of Diplomatique, IASA’s annual magazine, by Ambassador Solomon Temitope, followed by the presentation of the Association’s new executive council.

Adams also expressed his confidence in the new executives, saying, “I think they are people who, with their own ideas, can innovate, and create the kind of legacy they want, map the kind of future they want, and take the association to greater heights.”

Professor Quadri and Professor Ottoh were presented with awards in recognition of their continued support for the association.

They both pledged to continue to support the association and its endeavours in the coming times.

Awards were also presented to the graduating executives for their outstanding work in serving the association.