Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, has introduced new artificial intelligence academic programmes designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to address insecurity through technology, research and advanced crime analysis. The programmes were unveiled on Thursday in Abuja as part of the university’s broader effort to support national security and law enforcement using modern tools and data-driven approaches.
Speaking at the event, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Professor Suleiman Barnabas, said the initiative combines artificial intelligence training with the planned establishment of a world-class crime and forensic laboratory. He explained that the laboratory would support security agencies in crime prevention, investigation and evidence-based decision-making.
Barnabas said the AI courses are built around crime prevention, stressing that early detection and analysis of threats are more effective and cost-efficient than responding after crimes have occurred. According to him, technology-driven prevention offers security agencies a better chance to reduce crime and protect lives.
“The university has decided to establish a crime laboratory, also known as a forensic laboratory. Most of the security challenges faced in this part of the world are not due to a lack of theoretical knowledge of security or intelligence among security agencies, but rather the absence of the required laboratories to examine exhibits properly,” he said.
He added that the proposed facility would improve the ability of security agencies to determine where crimes were committed and identify individuals who may be responsible. Barnabas noted that the Vice-Chancellor is working to establish a world-class crime laboratory in partnership with institutions outside Nigeria, describing it as one of the standout features of the programme.
“The university also intends to deploy artificial intelligence to prevent crime occurrences, based on the principle that prevention is better than cure. In this regard, we are working closely with security agencies,” he said.
Barnabas disclosed that Cosmopolitan University is engaging key security institutions, including the National Defence College, with discussions ongoing to sign a memorandum of understanding. He said the collaboration would focus on training, research and the application of advanced analytical tools in security operations.
He expressed optimism that once the programme begins and security agencies start sending personnel for training, national capacity for threat analysis would improve. According to him, this would contribute to reduced crime across the country and support proactive security planning.
“The NDC is already involved, with efforts underway to sign a memorandum of understanding with Cosmopolitan University. We are hopeful that once the programme begins and security agencies send their personnel for training, it will help reduce crime in Nigeria. It will also enhance our capacity to analyse threats using modern and appropriate tools,” Barnabas said.
He added that security agencies would be able to leverage facilities and expertise at the university to address current security challenges and mitigate threats facing the country.
Also speaking, the Registrar of Cosmopolitan University, Dr. Mani Ahmad, said the introduction of the new programmes represents a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and workforce-ready education.
Ahmad explained that the programmes are structured to equip students, professionals and industry leaders with advanced knowledge, practical skills and globally competitive credentials aligned with national priorities and global trends.
“For the Master of Business Administration programme, students will undertake core MBA courses in the first two semesters, before specialising in their chosen areas in the third and fourth semesters,” he said.
He listed the MBA specialisations as Human Resource Management, Agribusiness and Rural Innovation Management, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Accounting, Digital Marketing, Public Health Management, Sustainable Energy Management and Forensic Accounting, adding that the university offers an MSc and a Postgraduate Certificate in Intelligence and Security Studies nationwide.
