The Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Prof Musa Aibinu, has challenged the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to embrace Artificial Intelligence to enhance their religious practice and make life more meaningful.
Prof Aibinu, a Professor of Mechatronics, made the advance while speaking at the 32nd Ramadhan Lecture of the University of Ibadan Muslim Community held at Prof. M. O. Abdul International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan Central Mosque.
Professor Aibinu posited that Scholars and educators must be trained in Emerging Technologies. Islamic institutions must embrace digital transformation to remain relevant. Faith and innovation must coexist to ensure that Muslims thrive in the modern world.
He reiterated that the Islamic values and AI can co-exist.
The Don advocates responsible use of AI through meticulous deployment of emerging technologies in people’s daily affairs.
Addressing the audience at the University of Ibadan Muslim Community International Conference Centre, Aibinu underscored the imperativeness of Nigerian Muslims to rise above limitations, embrace AI and move ahead without fear of science contradicting their religion.
He added that unlike some Muslim countries in the world, like the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, who have taken bold steps on AI, Nigerian Muslims are still lagging behind in tapping the opportunities.
Prof Aibinu who is also a Mogaji in Ibadan, while speaking on the need for urgent Action for a Digital-Ready Ummah, emphasised that “The pace of technological evolution demands immediate action to ensure that Muslims are not left behind, but rather become active contributors to the digital age while upholding their faith.
Professor Aibinu challenged Islamic teachers to “Introduce Artificial Intelligence and digital literacy programs alongside Islamic studies.
He emphasised the importance of training Islamic scholars and students in technology to ensure ethical Artificial Intelligence development.
“Modernizing madrasah education is not abandoning tradition—it is empowering the Ummah with the tools to lead in a technology-driven world.
“The goal is not to replace religious education but to enhance it with technology. Madrasahs must embrace Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation to remain relevant. Spiritual and intellectual growth must go hand in hand to prepare Nigerians for the future.”
Prof Musa Aibinu charged the Nigerian Muslims to rise above limitations by embracing Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, and secure a future where faith and innovation coexist harmoniously.”
Speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State, Prof Musbaudeen Babatunde, said it was important for the Muslim to embrace AI for all-around development.
Professor Babatunde promised that he would take the message back to the Government through his Education and Science counterparts so that the government could take a step forward on implementing Artificial Intelligence among the youth in the State.
In his remark, the first Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, Prof Daud Noibi harped on spiritual intelligence because this will make people live a meaningful life and benefit others while assuring themselves of a better life after death.
The 32nd Ramadhan Lecture of the Muslim Community, University of Ibadan was witnessed by different Muslim groups from the environs of the University.
