Professor Afolashade Kuyoro of Babcock University has allayed fears over the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, declaring that the technology is not an immediate threat to jobs but a tool for advancing human creativity and innovation.
Kuyoro, who delivered the university’s 60th inaugural lecture titled “From Data to Imagination: The Next Frontier of Intelligent Systems,” said AI should be seen as a collaborator rather than a replacement for human intellect.
She explained that AI had evolved beyond data-driven prediction and classification to generative systems capable of producing new content, simulations and innovations.
According to her, “Intelligence is no longer driven by data alone, but also by imagination,” stressing that human creativity remains central even as machines begin to mimic imaginative processes.
The professor described imagination as humanity’s most valuable faculty, urging individuals and institutions to embrace a future where humans and intelligent systems work together.
She also raised concerns over ethical issues surrounding AI, calling for transparency, fairness, safety, accountability in authorship, and protection of digital truth in its development and deployment.
To position the institution for the future, Kuyoro proposed an eight-point agenda, including the establishment of a Centre for Imaginative Intelligence, introduction of AI literacy programmes, strengthened research collaborations, and the development of a robust ethical framework for AI use.
She added that the university was already considering an AI-driven smart campus initiative that would deploy technologies such as predictive maintenance, intelligent security systems, student learning analytics, and efficient energy management.
“Our university will become a living laboratory,” she said, noting that imagination would increasingly define progress in governance and civilisation.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Liberia to Nigeria, John Akel Ballout Jr., has sought stronger institutional ties with Babcock University, pledging to deepen collaboration beyond diplomatic relations.
Ballout, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the university’s President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, acknowledged Nigeria’s historic role in restoring peace during Liberia’s civil war.
“Nigeria contributed the most resources to restoring peace in Liberia. They paid a higher price than anybody in terms of human casualties,” he said.
The envoy disclosed that Liberia would prioritise Nigeria in its new investment drive, offering opportunities in critical sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and tourism.
He also invited Nigerian investors to an upcoming investment forum scheduled to hold in Lagos, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Responding, Ojewole expressed the university’s readiness to build strategic partnerships with Liberia, particularly in the areas of student exchange, research collaboration, and academic development.
He noted the longstanding relationship between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Liberia, adding that Babcock was well-positioned to attract international students due to its globally aligned curriculum and academic networks.
“We want Babcock University to be the first choice for international students seeking quality education,” he said.
The visit is expected to open new frontiers for educational and economic collaboration between Nigeria and Liberia.
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