Varsity Makes Acquisition Of AI Skills Mandatory For All Students

Cosmopolitan University has reaffirmed its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) as a foundational skill for all students, regardless of discipline.

The university registrar, Dr Mani Ibrahim Ahmad, disclosed this when he briefed the press on the occasion of the unveiling of new Master of Business Administration (MBA) and certificate programmes in Abuja, yesterday.

He said AI should not be viewed as a threat to employment but as a transformative tool that rewards those willing to learn and adapt.

According to him, the real risk lies with individuals who refuse to upskill and embrace emerging technologies.

“Artificial intelligence has come to stay. It will not necessarily take away jobs; rather, it will take away jobs from people who refuse to learn and adapt to the new norm,” he said.

The registrar likened current fears surrounding AI to resistance that accompanied earlier industrial revolutions, noting that similar concerns were raised when sewing machines were first introduced over 200 years ago.

He explained that, unlike previous technological revolutions, where Africa largely played catch-up, AI presents a unique opportunity for global parity.

“With artificial intelligence, because of globalisation, the whole world is moving at the same level. Everywhere, people are deploying local AI solutions to solve local problems,” he said.

He added that the university was established primarily as an innovation and technology hub, with artificial intelligence embedded in its academic philosophy. “That is why our vice-chancellor is a professor of artificial intelligence. All our students are immersed in AI, irrespective of the degree they are studying.”

The new programmes are designed to equip students, professionals, and industry leaders with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and globally competitive credentials aligned with national development priorities and global trends.

The postgraduate offerings focus on strengthening research capacity, leadership competence and professional specialisation, while the certificate courses provide short-term, intensive training for career advancement, upskilling and lifelong learning.

On the new programmes, the registrar said they will be delivered through flexible learning formats that combine in-person and virtual instruction, alongside practical engagement through capstone projects and industrial placements.

According to him, courses will be taught by experienced academics, industry experts, and visiting scholars from around the world, and students may also opt to take at least two courses at partner universities abroad to qualify for dual certification.

He added that in line with National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations, the Master’s degree programmes will run for three to four semesters.

For the MBA, he said students will undertake core courses in the first two semesters before specialising in the third and fourth semesters.

He noted that MBA specialisations include Human Resource Management, Agribusiness and Rural Innovation Management, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Accounting, Digital Marketing, Public Health Management, Sustainable Energy Management and Forensic Accounting, amongst others.

Through its Special Studies Directorate, Cosmopolitan University runs Executive Education Certificate Programmes lasting between two and 12 weeks in areas such as Leadership Development and Finance for Non-Finance Executives.

Others are Entrepreneurship and Business Start-ups, Basic Computer Skills, Basic Diplomacy, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence for Business, Artificial Intelligence for Finance, Artificial Intelligence for Law Practice, AI Applications in Robotics, and AI for Intelligence and Crime Management.