Former Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called for the establishment of a University Ethics and AI Board at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to regulate data-driven research and ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation as the institution steps into its next 50 years.

Ahmed made the proposal on Friday, November 28, 2025, while delivering the keynote address at the University of Ilorin Alumni Colloquium themed "From Unilorin to Globalisation."

He stressed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are redefining global development, and universities must prioritise public trust, ethical safeguards, and regulatory structures to remain relevant.

According to Ahmed, embedding strong oversight frameworks is crucial: "Institutions that fail to embed strong oversight frameworks risk losing credibility in a world increasingly shaped by digital systems and automated decision-making," he said.

The call suggests that a specialised board is necessary to manage the ethical implications of advanced research and maintain UNILORIN's credibility on the global stage.

Ahmed, an alumnus of the university, said the Golden Jubilee was not merely a moment of celebration but a call to reimagine Unilorin's role in a rapidly changing world.

"My formative experiences at the University of Ilorin shaped my leadership trajectory and deepened my appreciation for disciplined, forward-thinking academic culture," he said.

The former governor, while commending Unilorin's uninterrupted academic calendar and decades of excellence, argued that past achievements were insufficient to address global disruptions, including AI, climate change, migration, and economic volatility.

He noted that universities now face a defining test of relevance and must evolve boldly to remain competitive.

Unveiling what he described as a "globalisation blueprint," Ahmed called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul centred on digital literacy, data fluency, community immersion programmes, and industry-linked research.

"I want to advise the University of Ilorin to pursue broader international partnerships, joint research initiatives, and stronger technology transfer systems that turn academic ideas into market-ready solutions.

"I also want to propose the creation of a Curriculum Innovation Unit, an Alumni Seed Fund, and structured collaborations with government and industries to drive evidence-based policymaking and frontline innovation," he said.

He charged faculty members to deepen public engagement beyond academic publishing and urged students to embrace curiosity, ambition, and problem-solving as defining attributes of globally competitive graduates.

Ahmed concluded that the university's next 50 years must be anchored not only on academic excellence but on measurable public impact, responsible innovation, and leadership in addressing Nigeria's most pressing developmental challenges.