In a resounding victory for gender equality, two prominent institutions in Kwara State,north central Nigeria,Summit University, Offa, (SUN, Offa) and Kwara State University, (KWASU) Malete, have emerged as leaders in this crucial endeavor.
They have joined forces with seven other pioneering projects to secure the prestigious grant offered by the Gender and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN).
This is contained in a statement from the office of the Vice Chancellor,Summit University, Offa, (SUN, Offa) and a copy made available to The Reporters on Friday.
According to the statement these institutions, in their individual capacities, are set to redefine the dynamics of Aquaculture and Agriculture, all powered by the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It reads;”At the forefront of transformative change, Summit University, Offa, and Kwara State University, Malete have risen to prominence through their visionary responses to the call for proposals launched in October 2022.
” Selected from an intensely competitive global pool, these projects stand among the select nine chosen by GRAIN—a network that stands as a bastion of gender inclusivity and the responsible integration of AI.
“Grounded within the dynamic framework of GRAIN in Africa, SUN, Offa and KWASU embody the spirit of collaboration and support envisioned by the Eight Universities in Kwara State Consortium (KU8 Consortium).
“As esteemed members of KU8, the two members share a united mission: to usher in an era of gender equality in Aquaculture and Agriculture, with women’s empowerment at the forefront.”
Responding, Prof. Abdulwahab Olasupo Egbewole,SAN, the Chairman of KU8 Consortium, extended heartfelt congratulations to the two member institutions for the monumental achievement.
In the same vein, Vice-Chancellors of participating universities within the KU8 Consortium have also expressed their commendations and offered words of encouragement to both universities.
They pledged full support for the successful implementation of the two projects, as outlined in the KU8 declaration.
According to the statement, the KU8 Consortium has recently been hailed by academia stakeholders as a transformative force in Nigerian university education during the just concluded international conference organised by the consortium.
It added that the grant bestowed by GRAIN is a testament to the potential of these projects to drive lasting change in Africa.
“Beyond providing financial support, it symbolizes a commitment to the responsible integration of AI for a more equitable world.
“Summit University Offa, Kwara State University Malete, and their counterparts are not mere recipients of project funds; they stand as ambassadors of change, advocating for gender parity, capacity development, and pioneering research.
“Their recent active participation in a comprehensive four-day capacity development conference further underscores their holistic approach. By engaging education stakeholders, these institutions solidify their dedication to all-encompassing growth and advancement.
“As Summit University Offa, Kwara State University Malete, and their fellow trailblazers press forward, they illuminate the path to a brighter, more equitable Sub-Saharan Africa.
” Through the harmonious interplay of AI, collaboration, and empowerment, they are scripting a narrative of progress where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a vividly realized truth,”Summit University,Offa said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
