Stakeholders in the technology sector stressed the need for the government at all levels to establish an Artificial Intelligence policy in education that will promote innovation and digital skills development among students.
They made this disclosure at the recent Technology Enhanced
Learning/Computing Education Forum organised by the Nigeria Computer Society in
Lagos.
An Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the
Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Kano State University of
Science and Technology, Dr Salisu Abdulrahman, said policy on AI would support
the establishment of AI infrastructure in tertiary institutions across the
country and also facilitate AI development in Nigeria.
Abdulrahman underscored the importance of collaboration
between AI stakeholders and academia to drive innovation and contribute to
national growth.
He emphasised the necessity for Nigeria to establish an AI
database that could support research and innovation initiatives.
Defining AI as the machine’s ability to emulate human
thinking and exhibit intelligence, Abdulrahman highlighted the global
investments, totaling billions of dollars, directed towards advancing AI
development to unlock global value.
“So many platforms have integrated AI into their operations,
and different sectors of the global economy have embraced AI, including the
education sector. AI can be used in automated processes and the development of
robots.
“Although AI is in its infancy stage in Nigeria, most
ministries and government agencies, including private organisations are
beginning to introduce AI in their operations.
“The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital
Economy as well as the National Information Technology Development Agency has
developed policies and strategies to develop AI in Nigeria,” Abdulrahman said.
He further explained that the application of AI could
stimulate economic growth by simulating games from both the supply and demand
sides.
He added that the Federal Government was committing funds to
startups to develop AI in Nigeria.
Abdulrahman remarked that Nigeria needed technical skills
development in machine language, big data, robotics, and deep learning, as well
as data science skills for the understanding of data processing and data
analytics for decision-making.
He said Nigerians must acquire skills in the area of
generative AI and responsible AI, adding that Nigerians would need the
knowledge of AI in critical thinking and decision-making.
He insisted that apart from the technical skills, Nigerians
must also acquire soft skills in AI.
“However, the biggest challenge to AI development in Nigeria
is lack of funding. Organisations and government agencies must, therefore,
invest heavily in AI in order to enhance research and development in the
country’s educational system,” Abdulrahman added.
A Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Applications,
University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Prof. AbejideAde-Ibijola, said AI in
education would support learning and innovation in the area of intelligent
thinking, automated grading, data analytics, predictive analysis and content
generation, using algorithms.
He, however, said AI could come with its disadvantages such
as funding, insecurity and training, describing them as timeless challenges.
The President of NCS, Dr Muhammad Aliyu, stated that the
forum was specifically crafted to unite stakeholders and delve into the
influence of Artificial Intelligence in education.
“The primary focus is on how the education sector can
harness AI to foster innovation and propel advanced research, ultimately
benefiting Nigeria as a nation,” Aliyu said.
He highlighted that this year’s conference theme revolves
around emerging technologies, particularly AI, to promote innovation and
excellence within the academic community.