By Isaac Lewu and Bashir Dawodu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole(SAN), has said that the true power of Artificial Intelligence lies in augmenting human potential rather than replacing it.

Prof. Egbewole said this last Wednesday, (July 3, 2024) at a two day adolescent intelligence workshop aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology into educational practices. It was held at the University Auditorium.

 The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, said the workshop aimed to equip participants, including esteemed lecturers and enthusiastic students from diverse backgrounds, with essential skills to thrive in an AI-driven world as he called for responsible use of AI to ensure that its benefits are maximised across all facets of life.

Prof. Egbewole reiterated that AI is poised to revolutionise various sectors, from healthcare to education, and presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and advancement.

The Vice Chancellor declared that “This training programme signifies our commitment to embracing the transformative power of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence. It’s not merely about adopting new tools but about reshaping our educational and professional landscapes to meet the challenges of the future.”

Reflecting on the collaborative effort behind the workshop, Prof. Egbewole expressed gratitude to the organisers and participants for their dedication. He particularly acknowledged the contributions of School Try and Tech Mindset Unilorin, whose support and expertise were instrumental to bringing the programme to fruition.

The Legal Luminary urged participants to approach AI with curiosity, determination, and a spirit of collaboration. He added that knowledge and skills gained would not only enhance productivity but also pave the way for meaningful contributions to the society.

In the welcome address, the Director of Computer Services and Information Technology (COMSIT), University of Ilorin, who is also the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Muhammadu Kamaldeen University, Ilorin, Prof. Rasheed G. Jimoh, underscored the critical importance of setting clear goals and objectives for achieving success in the era of Artificial Intelligence.

Prof. Jimoh said that without a defined path and vision, harnessing AI’s transformative potential becomes significantly challenging. He, therefore, stressed the need for individuals and institutions alike to articulate specific goals that align with their mission and strategic objectives.

 The Computer Scientist noted that while setting goals is essential, the realisation hinges on proactive planning and diligent execution. He therefore encouraged  participants to develop actionable strategies that integrate AI technologies effectively into their academic and professional pursuits to foster innovation and efficiency.

Prof. Jimoh underscored the value of seeking support and guidance from mentors and coaches to sustain motivation and track progress effectively and also leverage expertise and insights from experienced professionals to navigate complexities and maximise the benefits of AI.

Also speaking at the event,  the first Guest Lecturer from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. G. A Aderounmu, stated that AI has an enduring impact on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and beyond. Prof. Aderounmu pointed out  AI’s ability to emulate human behavior, enhance learning experiences, and facilitate innovative research endeavours.

 He underscored AI’s potential to revolutionise traditional teaching methods and cited interactive learning experiences and language translation as key examples that benefit both students and teachers and urged universities to foster creativity among students to prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the society.

In his own presentation, a 2006 alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Ismail Eleburuike, who is the CEO of Try Edtech, Sweeden, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in university education.

Mr. Eleburuike, whose experience traverses IBM and Erikson, underscored how AI technologies are revolutionising traditional teaching methods, making learning more personalised and accessible than ever before.

When she took her turn, the CEO of Tech Mindset Africa, which is headquartered in Kenya, Miss Joan Mbesya, captivated participants at the event with a presentation on deep learning in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as she analysed the intricacies of deep learning algorithms and elucidated how  advanced AI techniques enable machines to learn and make decisions independently, mimicking the human brain’s neural networks.

Mbesya emphasised the transformative impact of deep learning on various industries, including education and highlighted its role in enhancing data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling, paving the way for innovative solutions to complex challenges.

The Ag. Head of the Department of Telecommunication and Information Sciences, Dr M. O. Oloyede, who spoke wíth Unilorin Bulletin at the end of the two-day workshop said that the programme was an initiative of the University management and the two foreign private companies . He also appreciated the University management for reposing confidence in him to be a major driver of the event.

He disclosed that students from various departments participated actively and made impressive presentations on various applications of AI.

Oloyede promised that ” there will be more of this workshop and at the end, it will lead to great innovations within the University because it is obvious the University Management appreciates the Technology of AI, and what it has to offer”.