In a groundbreaking inaugural Public Lecture at the African School of Economics, themed “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education in Africa,” Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji,
Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious institution, and Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju,
Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited, advocated fervently for the ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize education across the continent.
Prof. Adedimeji opened the discourse by highlighting AI’s pivotal role in reshaping educational paradigms, emphasizing its potential to personalize learning experiences and democratize access to knowledge.”With AI, each student can receive tailored instruction, breaking away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach,” he asserted..
He underscored AI’s capacity to analyze vast datasets to optimize learning outcomes and bridge educational disparities, thereby advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of quality education for all.
However, amidst his enthusiasm for AI’s transformative capabilities, Prof. Adedimeji cautioned against its unchecked deployment, citing ethical concerns and the need for robust frameworks to safeguard against potential abuses.
Drawing parallels to historical technological advancements, he invoked the cautionary tale portrayed in the film “I, Robot,” where AI’s unchecked proliferation led to existential threats to humanity.
“We must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” he warned.
Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Adeyanju, an eminent figure in cybersecurity, reiterated AI’s potential to address Africa’s educational challenges, including low teacher effectiveness and high dropout rates.
He advocated for culturally grounded and ethically sound AI frameworks, comprehensive educator training, and strategic initiatives to bridge digital divides across the continent,
“AI can enhance language learning, facilitate virtual classrooms, and deliver tailored educational experiences even in remote areas,” he noted, emphasizing the imperative for inclusive technological development.
Prof. Adedimeji extended an invitation to prospective students to join the African School of Economics, a beacon of academic excellence offering a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
He affirmed the institution’s commitment to pioneering AI-driven innovations in education while ensuring that ethical principles remain paramount in the quest for a sustainable educational future in Africa
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