By Lami Bawa
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), through the NCC Professorial Chair Endowment, hosted a two-day workshop on “AI and Data Governance for Consumer Protection”, at the NITDA Hub, Main Campus.
Declaring the event open, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Mohammed Abdullahi, noted that the theme aligns with the University’s mission of advancing knowledge and innovation, stressing the importance of data security, compliance, and effective management. He urged participants to actively engage and generate actionable policies to strengthen AI data governance in Nigeria.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the NCC Professorial Chair Endowment, Prof. Abraham Usman, explained that the endowment was established to drive research, innovation, and capacity building in telecommunications and digital technology. He described the workshop as a reflection of that vision, highlighting its role in connecting scholars, regulators, and industry leaders. He also announced the launch of the Digital Consumer Protection Handbook, a resource designed to simplify complex issues for everyday Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ramoni Adeogun, Head of AI for Wireless Research Group at Aalborg University, Denmark, examined global AI governance models and proposed a four-pillar policy roadmap for Nigeria covering legal, institutional, technical, and regulatory capacity. He emphasized the roles of government, private sector, academia, civil society, and consumers in ensuring responsible AI practices.
The workshop featured interactive sessions and panel discussions on topics such as AI profiling and consumer discrimination, balancing government regulation with innovation, tools for digital self defense, and digital rights awareness among Nigerian students.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, Prof. Caroline O. Aloneghena, expressed appreciation to the speakers, panelists, and participants, stressing the collective responsibility in promoting AI data governance for consumer protection.
Photo Credit Mustapha Abdulrauf
