Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has taken a significant step toward positioning the state as a leading hub for technology-driven economic growth by promoting practical, skills-based education and innovation.
As part of this vision, a high-level delegation from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has been sent to Doha, Qatar, on an academic study visit focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and applied learning systems.
The delegation, led by ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michael Okolie, will visit several academic and advanced learning institutions in Qatar to study successful AI implementation models and gain firsthand experience of the country’s practical and experiential learning approach.
Qatar was selected because of its world-class educational institutions and strong emphasis on applied learning. The visit is also part of a growing collaboration between Enugu State and Qatar.
A key outcome of the initiative will be the establishment of a Centre for Artificial Intelligence Studies, Research, and Innovation at ESUT. The proposed centre is expected to enhance experiential learning opportunities, promote research and innovation, and strengthen industry engagement in AI-related fields.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Okolie stated that the programme reflects the need to transform teaching and learning in Enugu State.
“We need to study successful models and engage with informed perspectives in order to align our programmes with global standards in Robotics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Software Engineering,” he said.
He noted that members of the delegation were carefully selected in line with the state’s strategic education and innovation goals and commended Governor Mbah’s commitment to smart education and technological advancement.
During the visit, representatives of the host institutions expressed their willingness to support the initiative, stressing that technology’s impact depends largely on how it is applied and governed.
The delegation also toured innovation centres and participated in presentations on global education systems, AI adoption strategies, and emerging technology trends.
One of the speakers, Dr. Dhamir Mannai, a Cloud and Cyber Security Systems specialist, emphasized the importance of integrating AI into modern university curricula. He noted that higher institutions must continuously adapt to technological advancements to remain globally competitive.
The delegation visited leading educational institutions, including Al Maha Academy for Boys, with additional visits planned to tertiary institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.
According to Enugu State officials, the proposed AI Centre will serve as a hub of excellence, providing industry-focused training, research opportunities, innovation pathways, and professional development programmes for students, academics, and industry practitioners.
Discussions during the visit also addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with AI, including misinformation, ethical concerns, and AI-generated content. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption and the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks.
The participating institutions pledged technical support and ethical guidance to help ensure the success of the project and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
Upon completion of the study visit, the delegation is expected to present strategic recommendations aimed at improving the integration of Artificial Intelligence into teaching, research, and educational development across Enugu State.
