The Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, Professor Yusuph Amuda-Yahaya, has called on students and business entrepreneurs to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for expanding businesses and enhancing academic learning.
He made this call on Wednesday during a one-day AI Awareness Workshop for SMEs, hosted by North-Eastern University, Gombe, at the university campus.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the role of AI in today’s world cannot be underestimated, urging participants to leverage its opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
The workshop was organised by PhD Researcher, Aisha Muhammad Lawal, and supported by North-Eastern University Gombe, University of Salford Manchester, UK, and Gombe State University.
In her remarks, the organiser, Aisha Muhammad Lawal, said the workshop was part of her PhD research project aimed at exploring how SMEs in Northern Nigeria can effectively adopt AI in their operations. She explained that many small businesses in the region face barriers such as limited awareness, cost, and inadequate digital infrastructure, hence the need to sensitise entrepreneurs and students on the opportunities AI offers in driving innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
The event featured goodwill messages and keynote addresses, including opening remarks by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Gombe State, and supporting words from Dr. Maria Kutar, Director, University of Salford Business School, UK.
A highlight of the program was a panel discussion on “What SMEs in Gombe Need to Thrive in the AI Era,” alongside technical sessions on the challenges and ethical perspectives of AI adoption, cybersecurity for SMEs, and practical demonstrations of free and low-cost AI tools.
Other facilitators included Abdulsalam Haruna, who presented real SME success stories and practical AI demonstrations, and Abdulwahab Shehu, who led the AI Hackathon session where participants worked in teams to propose AI-powered business solutions.
The workshop also featured an interactive reflection activity, certificate presentation, and a networking session, giving participants an opportunity to share experiences and build connections.
Special guests, students, and entrepreneurs commended the organisers for exposing them to practical applications of AI in business and education.
