UNILAG VC, Sanwo Olu seek AI integration in higher education

By Emmanuel Adenuga

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola has charged African universities to review their teaching methods, noting that traditional methods of teaching centred on memorisation and recalling facts was no longer adequate to prepare students for a tech driven economy.

She made this call at the opening ceremony of the UNILAG International Week, themed: “Re-imagining Pedagogy and Teaching for Higher Education in the 21st Century,” held from October 12- 16, 2026.

Ogunsola called for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian universities, which reflect the realities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the changing demands of the global workforce.

Ogunsola recalled that UNILAG had always focused on innovation.

She stated that tracing the institution’s recent themes, it focused on global connectivity in 2019, inclusive digital transformation in 2024 and equitable AI data frameworks in 2025.

Ogunsola added that AI has now become increasingly central to classroom activities, noting that the rapid advancement of AI has forced universities to rethink their teaching and certification methods.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged universities to move on from teaching methods that place emphasis on memorisation and embrace approaches that enhance the critical thinking and problem solving skilss of students.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule urged higher institutions to go beyond producing graduates who search for jobs to training graduates who can create jobs and solutions.

Sanwo-Olu noted that while digital platforms have expanded access to education, technology should complement, not replace human judgement, thinking and ethical values.