By Lydia Legbo/Abdullahi Danbaka
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna) is on track to introduce a comprehensive academic program in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as revealed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta. He made this announcement on November 13, 2024, during a courtesy visit by the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MSN) at the university’s Council Chamber on the main campus.
The visit, part of the 17th Annual Conference and Workshop organized by MSN in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS), provided an opportunity for Prof. Kuta to outline FUT, Minna’s plans. He shared that the University is drafting a policy framework to develop an AI curriculum that meets standards set by the Nigerian 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 conference venue. He assured the society of FUT, Minna’s commitment to fostering a long-term partnership, hopeful that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial. Noting the theme of the conference, “Emerging Solutions to Mycotoxin and Food Safety Challenges: The Role of Artificial Intelligence,” Prof. Kuta emphasized the importance of AI in tackling critical food safety issues in Nigeria.
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, Minna. She highlighted the conference’s goal 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, envisioning it as a starting point for spreading knowledge across the country.
In closing, she thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University’s Management for their support.
Photo credit Elijah Yisa
