By Isaac Olufemi

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape global sectors, a don at the University of Ibadan, Professor Benjamin Osawale Ehigie, has charged the Federal Government to prioritize the integration of AI into the nation’s leadership and security architecture to safeguard lives and catalyze industrial growth.

Professor Ehigie, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan, gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Annual National Conference of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Innovative Leadership and Security Management in Nigeria,” the professor noted that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality that demands immediate policy attention.

He argued that by shifting from traditional, manual, and reactive measures to predictive intelligence-gathering, the government could effectively dismantle security threats before they escalate.

“The future of Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity lies not in merely reacting to crises, but in anticipating them and proactively taking action,” Ehigie stated.

While acknowledging that human reasoning remains superior to machine intelligence, the don maintained that while AI has made access to information seamless, its deployment must be handled with caution.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Emmanuel Remi-Aiyede noted that AI is already making inroads into Nigeria’s security sector. He emphasized that by addressing existing gaps in policy, workforce development, and infrastructure, the country could strike a vital balance between protecting its citizens and fostering a prosperous future.

In his remarks, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Associate Professor Taiwo Lasisi, commended the guest speakers for their insightful contributions. He noted that the institution continues to position itself as a true citadel of learning.

Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing academic transformation at the polytechnic—marked by a series of lectures and symposia organized by various departments—the Rector expressed confidence that graduates of the institution would continue to stand out among their peers in the global labour market.