A lecturer at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Barnabas Embugus Barde, has called for the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital analytics to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.
Professor Barde made the call in Keffi while delivering his inaugural lecture titled “Business Administration in the Digital Age: Navigating the Impact of Business Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Analytics and Entrepreneurship.”
He noted that with the vast economic potential available in the digital space, it has become imperative for the government to scale up innovation and expand opportunities for small-scale and nano businesses.
The don stressed the need for young people to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool for building business capacity, enhancing creativity, and creating employment opportunities.
Chairman of the Planning Sub-Committee for the inaugural lecture, Dr. Vincent Paul, also emphasized the need for a collective approach to developing local entrepreneurs by leveraging AI and the digital ecosystem for greater economic visibility.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Liman, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Maikano Ari, said the academic community must take the lead in conducting impactful research that harnesses the potential of cyberspace for economic empowerment. (Radio Nigeria)