DELSU VC, Prof. Samuel Asagba, To Chair 3rd NAAIP Bi-Monthly Symposium On AI, Economic Prosperity

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, has been tipped to chair the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the National Association of AI Practitioners (NAAIP) Bi-Monthly Symposium.

The virtual event is scheduled to hold on  Tuesday, March 24, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM.

The symposium, themed “The Catalyst Effect: Driving Economic Prosperity and Sectoral Innovation through Applied AI in Nigeria,” serves as a high-level platform for academia and industry leaders to chart a course for Nigeria’s digital future.

A Leader at the Helm: Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba

The choice of Professor Asagba as Chairman underscores the growing influence of Delta State University in the national technological and academic discourse. Since assuming office as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor on December 1, 2024, Professor Asagba, a distinguished Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology, has spearheaded a “New Era” of innovation in DELSU.

Under his leadership, DELSU has achieved several milestones, including:

• Top Rankings: DELSU is currently ranked as the best university in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones and the 12th best university in Nigeria overall.

• Academic Expansion: The Vice-Chancellor recently oversaw the establishment of three groundbreaking faculties: Computing, Environmental Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences, further diversifying the institution’s academic programmes.

• Digital Transformation: Professor Asagba has championed the full digitalization of the university’s academic and administrative processes, enabling seamless certificate processing and enhanced research visibility.

• Student Welfare: His administration recently approved the 2026 Work-Study Aid Scheme, providing on-campus part-time employment to support students financially while they study.

ALSO READ: Governor Soludo Appoints Key State Officials, Special Advisers

NAAIP Symposium Highlights

The event will feature a keynote address by Professor Sunday Ewansiha Omosigho (FORS) of the University of Benin, titled “AI as an Economic Engine: Nigeria’s Path to a Successful Digital Economy.”

Other notable speakers include:

• Professor Lawan Abdu Sani (Bayero University, Kano) on AI in Precision Farming.

• Professor Aleruchi Chuku (DVC, Federal University, Lafia) on AI in Healthcare.

• Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede (NAAIP President & Former VC, OAU).

• Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola (NAAIP Founder & Former Executive Secretary, NUC) will also deliver his remarks at the symposium.=

Opening, Closing and Acknowledgments

The virtual room for the event will open at 4.30 pm with welcoming and recognition of dignitaries by the General Secretary of NAAIP, Dr Kehinde Abiola. The session will  include a moderated Q&A and panel discussion led by Professor Jonathan Tsetimi, NAAIP Vice President (South-South), who also serves as the symposium anchor.

The event will  conclude with closing remarks from Professor Asagba and a formal vote of thanks by Professor Joy Eyisi, former DVC of the National Open University of Nigeria.

The symposium, hosted via Zoom, reflects NAAIP’s ongoing commitment to “Excelling in AI Practice” and fostering a digital-forward economy in Nigeria.

“We are at a crossroads where applied AI can either be a missed opportunity or the engine of our national prosperity,” a spokesperson for the NAAIP Organizing Committee stated, saying that “having a visionary like Professor Asagba chair this session ensures that the conversation remains grounded in academic excellence and practical innovation.”

The symposium will be hosted via Zoom. Members of the press, tech enthusiasts, and the general public are invited to join this transformative session.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

• Time: 4:30 PM (Recognition of Dignitaries); 5:00 PM (Official Commencement)

• Platform: Zoom (Virtual) *Meeting ID :* 92689232398 *Passcode:* 273464

About DELSU

Delta State University, Abraka, founded in 1992, is a premier Nigerian institution dedicated to “Knowledge, Character, and Service.” With 17 faculties and a thriving population of nearly 10,000 newly matriculated students in the 2025/2026 session, it continues to lead in research, STEM innovation, and manpower development.

About NAAIP

The National Association of AI Practitioners (NAAIP) is a professional body dedicated to “Excelling in AI Practice,” fostering collaboration between researchers and practitioners to drive technological advancement in Nigeria.

Media Contact:

NAAIP Secretariat: Zone African Center of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) Building, National Open University of Nigeria, University Village, Plot 91 Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Way, Jabi, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.

Email: naaipnigeria@gmail.com

Website: https://na-ai-p.org/