UoN Strengthens Global Ties with Tsinghua University and Hosts Public Lecture on AI
The University of Nairobi (UoN) marked a historic step in global academic collaboration by signing a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Tsinghua University, one of China’s leading research institutions. The agreement signals a long-term partnership between the two universities, with UoN’s Faculty of Science & Technology and Faculty of Health Sciences designated as anchor faculties to drive joint initiatives. These initiatives include scientific research collaborations, AI-enabled education programs, student and faculty exchanges, innovation-focused academic programs, and technical cooperation. The partnership aims to advance scientific discovery, foster entrepreneurship, integrate AI across disciplines, promote digital learning, and create pathways for commercialization and measurable societal impact across Africa.
Following the signing, UoN hosted a highly anticipated public lecture by Prof. Qiu Yong, Chairman of the Tsinghua University Council, at Chandaria Auditorium. Titled “Universities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the lecture provided a detailed and thought-provoking exploration of the transformative potential and challenges of AI for higher education, society, and humanity at large.
Prof. Qiu Yong opened the lecture by highlighting AI as a double-edged sword. “AI offers unprecedented opportunities for creativity, scientific discovery, and societal progress, yet it also poses serious ethical, social, and technological risks,” he stated. He challenged universities to fully harness AI to advance human civilization, transform teaching and learning, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen research impact, while ensuring its development and deployment align with ethical principles and human values. “While machines can now write poetry, compose music, and perform creative tasks once reserved for humans, universities remain the custodians of human creativity, ethical values, and societal responsibility. We must ensure technology serves humanity and preserves what makes us unique.”
He explored the unique value of humanity in the AI era, questioning how human creativity and ethical reasoning can be maintained in a world where machines increasingly replicate these abilities. “Throughout history, no tool has ever rivaled human cognition in this way,” he noted. “Now, for the first time, technology begins to master abilities once exclusive to humans. Universities must guide this transformation responsibly, ensuring AI serves as a force for shared prosperity rather than societal division.”
Prof. Qiu highlighted the role of universities beyond teaching, emphasizing that they must safeguard universal values while leveraging AI to renew teaching methodologies, strengthen students’ ability to apply knowledge, and adapt to rapid technological change. “All of us are starting from roughly the same point,” he observed, drawing a parallel between the disruption of online education and the far greater implications of AI.
He also addressed innovation and enterprise collaboration, noting that companies often move faster in applying AI technologies than universities. He urged higher education institutions to create new models of academia–industry partnerships, encouraging faculty and students to launch ventures that turn research into practical solutions benefiting society.
Prof. Qiu detailed Tsinghua University’s AI initiatives, including the establishment of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Institute for AI-for-Science in 2020, interdisciplinary research in over 100 industries, leadership in global AI governance forums, and the October 2025 Nature magazine feature highlighting universities embracing AI. He concluded with an open call to African universities: “We invite you to walk together with us in this field, to ensure AI becomes a force for shared prosperity and not division.”
In her remarks, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson reaffirmed UoN’s commitment to immediately operationalize the collaboration. She emphasized AI as one of UoN’s “Big Five” strategic pillars, noting that the Senate has approved a new AI curriculum and that the University is fast-tracking the establishment of the Nairobi School of Artificial Intelligence. This new school will accelerate research, innovation, commercialization, and talent development. “The time is now we are fully committed,” she said, highlighting UoN’s strategic focus on AI to empower students and faculty to address societal challenges while responsibly managing the potential risks inherent in AI.
Chancellor Prof. Patrick Verkooijen contextualized the collaboration within Africa’s urgent need to prepare youth for the future of work. By 2050, the continent will add 620 million young people to the labour market, yet only one in four currently have formal employment. He stressed that no UoN graduate should leave without basic AI literacy and praised the Tsinghua partnership and Prof. Qiu’s visit as perfectly timed. He further urged that formal agreements be elevated to deep, strategic, knowledge-driven partnerships to shape research, innovation, and education across Africa while carefully mitigating the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.
The event also featured an interactive panel discussion where panelists addressed the opportunities in AI and issues on ethical use of AI, from faculty, students, and industry partners. Topics ranged from the ethical governance of AI and bridging technological gaps to practical strategies for AI-enabled entrepreneurship and research commercialization in Africa. Prof. Qiu emphasized the importance of international cooperation, ethical AI frameworks, and closing the digital divide. Prof. Hutchinson elaborated on UoN’s plans to implement AI in teaching, research, and health sciences. Discussions also highlighted policy implications and workforce preparedness for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The discussion reinforced the urgent need for universities to balance innovation with careful oversight, ensuring AI’s potential is harnessed for the benefit of society while minimizing its risks.
The day’s events the signing of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, the detailed public lecture, and the interactive panel discussion sent a powerful message: Universities are not merely centers of learning but custodians of human creativity, ethical values, and societal transformation. Through global partnerships, responsible AI governance, and a commitment to research and educational excellence, UoN and Tsinghua University aim to position Africa at the forefront of technological advancement while preparing graduates capable of addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Watch the lecture HERE
