Khairun University (KHAIRUN) in Kano played host to the 2025 Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS), organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). The two-day event, themed “Toward a More Inclusive Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” brought together social media influencers, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors to explore the role of technology in advancing societal progress and inclusivity.

The summit emphasized the transformative potential of social media and AI when guided by ethical governance. CITAD highlighted that digital platforms should foster unity, transparency, and accountability rather than serve as instruments of misinformation or exclusion.

Khairun University, whose name means “better” in Arabic, provided a fitting backdrop for the event. The campus, adorned with halls honoring notable Nigerians like Basorun MKO Abiola and Alhaji Aminu Dantata, symbolizes the legacy of excellence and civic responsibility that the summit seeks to inspire.

A key feature of the summit was its commitment to inclusivity. Persons with disabilities were actively engaged, supported by adaptive technologies and sign language interpreters, ensuring that every participant had a voice in shaping discussions about Nigeria’s digital future.

Prominent influencers such as Japheth Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) and Rinu Oduala (@SavvyRinu) were celebrated for their advocacy and use of social media to champion transparency, human rights, and civic engagement. Their work underscores the power of digital platforms to influence governance and social change.

Over the course of five plenary sessions and sixteen parallel panels, participants examined AI’s role in governance, the ethics of algorithms, social media accountability, and the intersection of digital technologies with mental health and community development. Speakers included Dr. Vincent Olatunji of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Alhassan Ibrahim of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Prof. Asabe Sadiya Mohammed of CITAD.

The summit also showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through contributions from commentators and artists such as Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, Dan Bello, and Rabiu Biyora, highlighting the intersection of media, art, and civic advocacy.

The event concluded with a 14-point communique, reflecting observations and resolutions aimed at promoting multi-stakeholder engagement, responsible AI governance, and inclusive digital development. CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to using technology as a tool for societal upliftment, aligned with the summit’s vision of a “khairun” — or better — Nigeria.