Faculty of Computing and Informatics Introduces AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity Programmes

By Barakat Lawal, Adebisi Bolarinwa, and Luke Matthias

The Faculty of Computing and Informatics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has introduced new academic programmes in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and cybersecurity.

The dean of the faculty, Professor Philips Adewole, disclosed this while speaking with UNILAG Sun, noting that the programmes were introduced to align the faculty’s offerings with global technological trends.

Adewole said the faculty currently runs three core programmes — cybersecurity and software engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics, and computer science.

According to him, while the programmes share a common foundation in computer science, each represents a distinct area of specialization.

“Computer science is the overall umbrella under which all the other departments reside,” he said.

“It touches almost every other area, but there are still aspects where they differ.”

He explained that the introduction of the new programmes required a comprehensive review of the faculty’s curriculum to ensure it meets international standards.

“The curriculum has been reworked and updated to reflect emerging trends in technology,” Adewole said.

The dean also revealed that the faculty is collaborating with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to integrate new technological innovations into its academic and research activities.

He added that three research groups have been established within the faculty to advance work in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data mining, as well as data science.

Adewole said the faculty currently has a dedicated laboratory for artificial intelligence, while a cybersecurity laboratory exists but is yet to be fully equipped.

“We are making plans to furnish the cybersecurity laboratory,” he said.

He further disclosed that the faculty is engaging its alumni community as part of efforts to secure funding for projects and address other infrastructural needs.

“We are compiling a list so that we can get in touch with our alumni,” he said.

“One of the strategies we plan to embark on is organizing a get-together with some of them, where we can present the faculty’s needs.”