The Nigerian Association of Computing Students (NACOS), Thomas Adewumi University Chapter commenced its much-anticipated NACOS Week 2025 with a powerful and engaging opening symposium titled “The Age of Artificial Intelligence: Part 2.” The event, which took place at the University’s Auditorium, marked the beginning of a weeklong celebration of innovation, critical thinking, and the ever-evolving world of technology.
In his opening address, the President NACOS TAU Chapter, Comrade Oluwatodunni Obafemi, welcomed attendees to the flagship event of the week, noting its significance to the identity and ambition of today’s computing students. “This symposium isn’t just a gathering,” he stated. “It’s a record of a generation choosing to understand, engage, and shape the future of intelligence - both natural and artificial. NACOS Week is designed to inspire, engage, and celebrate the strength of our community and innovation.”
He further encouraged students to take full advantage of the week’s lineup of activities as an opportunity to discover what the AI Age truly means for them as tech-minded citizens of a digitally transforming world.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Dr. Abiodun Owolabi, congratulated the association for hosting such a timely and relevant program. He praised the initiative for opening critical conversations in today’s technology-driven world and officially declared the NACOS Week open.
The day continued with a Debate session, featuring representatives from 100 and 200 level students, centered on the motion: “Should the Use of AI Tools Like ChatGPT Be Encouraged in Teaching and Learning?” The 200-level team spoke in support of the motion, while the 100-level team opposed it. After a highly engaging exchange of arguments and counterpoints, the debate concluded with the 100-level students declared the winners, scoring 307 points against the 200-level’s 246 points.
Following the debate was a Panel discussion session featuring two distinguished speakers: Professor Oluwakemi Abikoye, the first female Professor of Computer Science in Nigeria (appointed in 2021), and Mr. Stephen Paul, Software Engineer, Developer, and Lead Organizer of the Google Developer Group (GDG), Lokoja.
The panelists addressed a wide range of issues regarding Artificial Intelligence - from ethical concerns and career opportunities to fears surrounding job displacement and the role of AI in the next decade. Their insights offered the students clarity, direction, and encouragement to embrace AI as a field filled with both promise and responsibility.
The successful launch of NACOS Week reflects TAU’s unwavering commitment to building an academic environment where students are encouraged to explore beyond the classroom, challenge the status quo, and take bold steps into the future of computing.
As the week progresses with more intellectually enriching activities, TAU’s computing students are not only celebrating innovation but also establishing themselves as future leaders in technology, a testament to the University’s vision of excellence, purpose, and global relevance.
