Nigeria's state University governing councils have resolved that institutions must establish dedicated committees for artificial intelligence and digital governance, as part of sweeping recommendations issued at the conclusion of a major higher education conference.

The Committee of Pro Chancellors of State Owned Universities, known as COPSUN, adopted the resolutions at its 8th Biennial Conference held in Kano State, with committee Chairman Prof. Ayodeji Omole releasing a statement from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday.

Omole disclosed that universities were urged to develop digital integrity strategies covering finance, academic processes, and data protection, while also collaborating with anti graft and intelligence agencies for joint training on server security and intelligence sharing in the management of university affairs.

"Universities should constitute a committee to promote the effective deployment of AI and digital governance in University administration," Omole stated.

He added that regulatory agencies should formulate policies limiting the number of universities a state may establish, a recommendation the committee framed as essential to quality control across the sector.

On university funding, COPSUN tasked state governors to increase financial allocations to state owned institutions and advised universities to seek endowments not only from alumni but also from capable stakeholders within society.

"Transparency and accountability should remain guiding principles in university financial management," the committee noted, further urging university administrations to strengthen research and development initiatives under the guidance and supervision of their governing councils.

COPSUN also called on Universities to establish intellectual property and patent offices with responsibility for transforming research outputs into viable innovations, stressing the need for stronger synergy between universities and industry to translate research funding into practical economic outcomes.

The conference resolved to engage the Nigeria Governors Forum on the prospects and limitations of state universities in Nigeria, reaffirming COPSUN's commitment to strengthening governance structures and ensuring Nigerian state owned Universities remain globally competitive.