Abuja, Nigeria — May 6, 2025
In a bold move to address longstanding disparities in university admissions, a Nigerian university has begun deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure fairer, more inclusive access to higher education.
The initiative, launched by the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna), uses AI-driven algorithms to analyze admission data and detect patterns of bias or systemic exclusion. The goal is to level the playing field for applicants from underserved regions, low-income backgrounds, and marginalized groups.
According to university officials, the new system evaluates applications beyond traditional exam scores by factoring in socioeconomic indicators, regional education gaps, and access to preparatory resources. This ensures a more holistic and equitable assessment process.
“We believe technology should be used not only to advance learning but also to democratize access,” said Professor Amina Lawal, Vice-Chancellor of FUTMinna. “Our AI model helps us identify and correct disparities that the human eye might overlook.”
The project, developed in partnership with local AI startups and education policy experts, comes amid increasing concern over the fairness of tertiary education admissions in Nigeria. For years, critics have pointed to biases in selection criteria that tend to favor urban and elite applicants.
Early results from the pilot phase show promising signs. The university reported a 20% increase in admissions from rural communities in the current academic session, a shift attributed to the AI system’s recalibrated assessment criteria.
Education advocates have praised the initiative as a model for other institutions. “This is a game-changer,” said Dr. Sola Adeniran, an education equity researcher. “It demonstrates how data and technology can be used to promote justice in our education system.”
The university plans to publish a comprehensive report on the AI model’s impact by year’s end and is in discussions with the National Universities Commission about broader adoption across the country.
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