Abuja, Nigeria – The department of business administration at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, successfully hosted the second edition of its Live Webinar Series on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, bringing together academics, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and students to examine the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s small business sector.
Held virtually via Google Meet, the webinar, themed “The Nexus Between AI Application and Small Business Growth in Nigeria,” attracted 53 participants and provided a platform for robust discussions on how emerging technologies can enhance business productivity, innovation and economic resilience.
The session commenced with an opening remarks by the moderator, Dr. Ugonna Obi-Emeruwa, who welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the webinar.
In his welcome address, the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence and research-driven conversations that contribute practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to improve productivity, strengthen entrepreneurship and promote sustainable national development.
The Head of the Department of Business Administration, Prof. Munirat Habeeb Yusuf, highlighted the department’s continued efforts in advancing business education and research. She announced that the undergraduate Business Administration programme, had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and disclosed that the department would soon commence postgraduate and professional programmes under the AUST Business School.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Prof. Billy Okoye, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Raffles Energy Limited, Abuja, examined how AI-powered technologies are reshaping modern business operations. He explained that artificial intelligence enables businesses to automate routine processes, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and identify new market opportunities. He encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace AI as a strategic tool for achieving long-term competitiveness.
Also speaking at the webinar, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Haruna, Head of the department of accounting and dean of the school of administration/business and management sciences at AUST, discussed the organisational, financial and managerial adjustments required for successful AI adoption. He stressed that businesses must invest in digital skills and develop structures that support technology-driven growth.
An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers. Responding to a question on how small retail businesses with limited financial resources could begin implementing AI, Dr. Obi-Emeruwa advised entrepreneurs to take advantage of free and low-cost AI tools already available. He recommended using AI-powered customer service features on platforms such as WhatsApp Business, alongside generative AI applications for content creation and basic customer data analysis.
Addressing another question on the role of AI in research, the speakers encouraged students and researchers to develop practical AI skills that would enhance academic research, improve productivity and strengthen innovation across disciplines.
Throughout the webinar, participants agreed that AI is no longer reserved for large corporations but has become an accessible and valuable resource for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Discussions highlighted the potential of AI to improve customer service, streamline operations and support data-driven decision-making.
The speakers also acknowledged challenges facing AI adoption in Nigeria, including digital literacy gaps, inadequate infrastructure and the need for supportive public policies that encourage responsible technological innovation. They emphasised that AI should complement, rather than replace, human expertise by enabling individuals and small teams to become more productive and efficient.
Participants were encouraged to leverage AI-powered communication tools on platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, embrace continuous digital skills development and utilise AI-driven analytics to better understand customer behaviour and market trends.
The webinar concluded at approximately 1:00 p.m., having successfully achieved its objective of promoting informed dialogue on the practical application of artificial intelligence in business. Participants left with valuable insights into how AI can drive innovation, strengthen small enterprises and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.