******Tansian University Leads the Way in AI Education with Groundbreaking Workshop for Academic Staff
In a bold stride towards academic innovation and digital transformation, Tansian University, Umunya, has once again demonstrated leadership in higher education by organizing a groundbreaking 2-day workshop on “AI for Teaching and Research.” The workshop, held from Thursday, 26th to Friday, 27th June 2025 at the university auditorium, was organized by the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, under the dynamic leadership of Professor Ejikemeuwa J. O. Ndubisi. The event received full backing from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eugene Okoye Nwadialor, whose vision for academic excellence continues to drive progress at the university.
Designed to empower academic staff with the tools and techniques needed to thrive in a digital age, the workshop focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence into teaching and research practices. It attracted participants from various faculties and departments, all eager to embrace the future of academia.
The resource persons, Professor Uchenna Eunice Ekpunobi and Dr. Godspower Ifeanyi Akawuku, brought both clarity and excitement to the sessions. Their presentations demystified AI and showcased its transformative role in higher education. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, gaining firsthand experience with powerful AI tools.
Day One of the workshop featured two key sessions. The first, titled “Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Higher Education,” was presented by Dr. Akawuku, who introduced participants to the foundational concepts and relevance of AI in today’s academic world. The second session, led by Prof. Ekpunobi, was themed “Leveraging AI for Literature Review and Research Ideation.” It exposed participants to tools like Elicit, Research Rabbit, and Semantic Scholar, and demonstrated how AI can assist in identifying research gaps and formulating novel academic inquiries.
On Day Two, the sessions moved into practical applications. Dr. Akawuku facilitated a hands-on training session on “AI Tools for Teaching and Research,” covering the use of platforms such as Google Classroom, DIA Modeller, Elicit, and Semantic Scholar. Participants were guided on using these tools to enhance curriculum delivery, model research data, and engage students more interactively. In the final session, Prof. Ekpunobi presented “AI in Scholarly Writing, Publishing, and Citation Management,” which introduced tools like Grammarly AI, Scite, EndNote, and Zotero, all essential for improving writing quality, managing references, and streamlining the publishing process.
In his opening and closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nwadialor, expressed his delight at the quality and impact of the workshop. He emphasized that the integration of AI into academic practice is not a luxury but a necessity, and he pledged continued support for initiatives that enhance staff capacity and institutional relevance.
Professor Ndubisi, the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, reminded participants that the future of education lies in the effective use of emerging technologies. He urged all academic staff to not only embrace AI but also to be agents of innovation within their departments.
Participants expressed immense gratitude to the university leadership for the opportunity. Many described the workshop as timely, relevant, and inspiring. They recommended continuous training, the creation of an AI resource center on campus, and the integration of AI tools into student learning and academic research.
This landmark workshop sets Tansian University apart as a forward-looking institution, committed to excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness. With the successful completion of this training, the university has laid a strong foundation for a technologically empowered academic environment, fully aligned with the demands of 21st-century education.