08/10/2026
SCHOOL OF SCIENCES, FCE OBUDU HOSTS 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AI, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE STEM EDUCATION
The School of Secondary Education Science Programme, Federal College of Education, Obudu, has called for greater adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation and emerging technologies in teaching, learning and research, as the College hosted its Sixth International Conference for the year 2026.
The conference, which was held yesterday at the Theatre Arts Hall of the College, had its theme: “Advancing Global Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education through Innovation, AI, Sustainability and Climate Smart Practices.”
The event brought together members of the College community, academic and non-academic staff, representatives of various unions, researchers and students from different departments, with discussions focused on the changing landscape of education and the need for educators to embrace emerging technologies.
The conference was designed to sensitise staff and students to the opportunities presented by new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, while also exploring innovative approaches to teaching, learning, research, sustainability and climate-smart practices.
Speaking at the conference, the Provost of the College, Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku, urged lecturers and other education stakeholders to embrace Artificial Intelligence and innovation as important tools for improving the quality and efficiency of education.
The Provost explained that innovation should not always be understood as the creation of something entirely new or extraordinary. According to him, innovation could simply mean discovering a faster, easier, smarter or more effective way of accomplishing an existing task.
He encouraged lecturers to continuously examine their methods of teaching and research and identify areas where technology and innovation could make their work more effective.
Dr. Utubaku further stressed the importance of adaptability in the contemporary educational environment, noting that the future belongs to individuals who are willing to unlearn, relearn and adapt to emerging realities.
He therefore challenged lecturers and students to remain open-minded and prepared to acquire new skills, particularly in the areas of technology and Artificial Intelligence, which he described as increasingly relevant to education and research.
The Provost also disclosed that graduates of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, would be awarded three certificates upon completion of their programmes, highlighting the evolving academic opportunities available within the College.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Godwin Ogar appreciated participants for attending the conference and encouraged them to ensure that the discussions and recommendations arising from the event went beyond theoretical considerations.
He emphasised the need for conference participants to examine real-life challenges affecting people in different communities and geographical locations and develop practical solutions that could have meaningful impact.
The Chairman also encouraged students to pay close attention to the presentations, participate actively in the sessions and take advantage of the knowledge shared by the resource persons.
Also speaking, the Dean of Schools Dr. Patrick Anipa observed that Artificial Intelligence had become an important component of the contemporary research environment.
He noted that the debate was gradually shifting from whether AI should be used in research and education to how it should be used responsibly, effectively and ethically.
He encouraged academics and students to familiarise themselves with emerging AI tools while ensuring that such technologies were used to complement human intelligence, critical thinking, creativity and academic integrity.
A major feature of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Geoffrey Aondolumun Ayua of the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Rev. Fr. Moses Oshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State.
The keynote session provided participants with further insight into contemporary developments in STEM education, innovation and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in the educational sector.
The conference also featured lead paper presentations by Dr. Jerry Bukpe Ikwong, technical sessions and interactive discussions, providing participants with opportunities to examine the role of technology, sustainability, climate-smart practices and innovative approaches in strengthening science and STEM education.
One of the major highlights of the conference was the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions and services.
The awards were presented in three major categories: Meritorious Service, Visionary Leadership, and Efficient and Effective Accounts Management.
The award recipients included:
Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku
Dr. (Chief) Anthony Idialu Agbi
Obong Okon Akpan Mbok
Eld. Dr. Ephraim Effiong Okon-Enoh
Mr. Williams Fanen Gwaza
Dr. Emmanuel N. Asagha
Comr. Paul Ipuole Ogar
Dr. Aniashie Akpanke
The recognition underscored the contributions of the awardees to the development of the College, effective leadership, service and institutional growth.
The conference reaffirmed the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, innovation and technology in shaping the future of education. It also provided a platform for academics, students and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on how STEM education can be strengthened to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The event further demonstrated the commitment of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, to promoting innovation, technological advancement, quality teaching, research and sustainable educational practices.
As the education sector continues to evolve, the message from the conference was clear: educators and learners must be willing to embrace change, acquire new skills and harness emerging technologies to remain relevant in the future of education.
