Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool in the fight against corruption, particularly within Nigerian universities and public institutions.
Speaking at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria in Kano, Olukoyede described AI as a “critical safeguard” for transparency, urging institutions to embrace technology-driven oversight to strengthen accountability.
The EFCC boss said AI can support fraud detection, automated auditing, payroll monitoring, procurement oversight and academic integrity systems, arguing that these tools can help reduce leakages and improve governance. He also proposed the creation of AI and Digital Governance Committees in universities to drive implementation.
Olukoyede linked the push for reform to findings from EFCC investigations, which he said uncovered cases involving inflated contracts, ghost workers and diversion of students’ fees in tertiary institutions. He argued that digital systems can help prevent such abuses and restore public trust.
He also called for investments in broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud-based systems, alongside stronger collaboration between universities and anti-corruption agencies for training and intelligence sharing.
However, Olukoyede cautioned that technology alone cannot eliminate corruption, stressing that AI can support integrity but cannot replace it. He warned that without ethical leadership and responsible use, even advanced digital tools could be ineffective.
His remarks come amid growing interest in the use of technology and data systems to strengthen public sector accountability and modernise Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Post a Comment