Babcock University and New Horizons Nigeria have deployed an Artificial Intelligence-powered drone surveillance system to strengthen campus security while expanding practical technology training for students.
The initiative aims at strengthening campus security and equipping students with skills in drone technology, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Mr Tim Akano, the Managing Director, New Horizons, an ICT training and exam testing institute, said this during the unveiling of the AI drones at Babcock University.
Akano said the worsening insecurity demanded proactive and technology-driven responses from institutions.
He said kidnappings and other security breaches showed criminals often monitored communities before striking, making aerial surveillance vital for early detection and prevention.
Akano said insecurity had become Nigeria’s biggest challenge, requiring schools and other institutions to stay ahead of criminals through innovation.
“Security is a moving target. The criminals keep innovating and inventing new ways to commit crime. Institutions must also stay two steps ahead of them,” he said.
The New Horizons boss said the partnership was not simply a donation of drones but the transfer of technical knowledge, operational capacity and intelligence gathering capability.
According to him, the drone can monitor the forests surrounding the university, operate day and night and provide real time intelligence to security agencies.
He said suspicious movements could be detected long before attacks occurred, enabling security agencies to respond promptly and prevent potential threats.
“Babcock is not a security organisation. What we are giving is intelligence, and intelligence is everybody’s responsibility,” Akano said.
He said New Horizons would train selected university personnel to operate, maintain and repair the equipment before transferring complete ownership to the institution.
Akano said the collaboration would also introduce drone technology, robotics and artificial intelligence into the university’s academic programmes from the 2027 academic session.
He said students would begin assembling basic drones with 3D printers before advancing to commercial applications in agriculture, logistics, surveillance and other industries.
According to him, the university will also introduce AI-powered humanoid robots to expose students to automation and intelligent technologies transforming workplaces globally.
He said the robots could perform tasks such as customer service, warehouse operations, teaching demonstrations and other programmable activities.
“We are not just giving drones to Babcock. We are transferring the knowledge to build, operate, maintain and eventually produce them here,” he said.
Akano noted that the initiative would position Nigerian students to become technology creators rather than consumers while supporting local innovation and manufacturing.
The Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof Folarin Ojewole, described the initiative as another milestone in the institution’s drive to remain a technology-driven university.
He said the university had embraced innovation since partnering New Horizons over two decades ago and would continue investing in emerging technologies.
Ojewole said the drone surveillance system would complement existing security infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and emergency alarm systems across the campus.
He said the university would deploy additional drones to ensure continuous surveillance while collaborating closely with security agencies to protect the campus and neighbouring communities.
“If something happens, Babcock can get its drone in the air, see in real time and provide intelligence to security agencies. We are serious about security,” he said.
Ojewole said the university would also extend drone technology training beyond computer science and engineering to students across all disciplines.
He stressed that the graduates should leave the university not only with degrees but also with practical skills that would improve their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Whether you study arts, humanities or computer science, one of the skills we will offer is drone technology. We want graduates who know a little of everything and a lot about one thing,” he said.
The vice-chancellor said Babcock would continue serving as a platform for testing emerging technologies through partnerships that advanced innovation and national development.
He added that the university remained committed to becoming an AI-driven institution while preparing students for the rapidly evolving digital economy.The event featured the commissioning and demonstration of the drone surveillance system, with training of university personnel expected to begin immediately.
