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African Leaders Urged To Embrace AI Ethically In Education Revolution

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Abuja, Nigeria – February 1, 2024 – The African School of Economics (ASE), a Pan-African University of Excellence, hosted its maiden public lecture, highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in African higher education, while emphasizing the crucial need for ethical considerations.

The lecture, titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education in Africa,” featured prominent speakers who underscored both the opportunities and challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technology.

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Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice-Chancellor of ASE, delivered a keynote address, “The Past is Present, The Present is Now,” emphasizing the dual nature of AI.

He described AI as a powerful tool with the capacity to revolutionize education, offering personalized learning experiences, access to quality education in underserved areas, and the potential to break down geographical barriers.

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“With AI, we can move beyond a one-size-fits-all model of education,” Prof. Adedimeji stated. “Personalized instruction, data-driven insights into learning styles, and dynamic, engaging learning tools can unlock each student’s potential.”

He highlighted AI’s role in achieving the fourth Sustainable Development Goal – ensuring quality education for all – by bringing world-class resources to remote regions and leveling the playing field for students across the continent.

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However, Prof. Adedimeji issued a strong caution against the unethical use of AI. He warned against the potential for AI to become a controlling force, urging the development of robust protocols, policies, and frameworks to safeguard human values.

Using the science fiction film “I, Robot” as an illustration, he highlighted the potential dangers of unchecked AI development and the importance of maintaining human control over technology.

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“The tail should not wag the dog,” he stressed. “Humans must remain in charge.”

Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited, and a professor of Cybersecurity, delivered the main lecture, echoing Prof. Adedimeji’s call for an AI-driven revolution in African education.

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He identified low teacher effectiveness and high out-of-school rates as major challenges hindering educational progress in Africa.

He argued that AI could address these issues through personalized learning, language learning tools, chatbots, virtual classrooms, and improved access to quality education in remote areas.

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Prof. Adeyanju recommended a multi-pronged approach, including the creation of culturally relevant and ethical AI frameworks, comprehensive training for educators, bridging the digital divide, fostering the development of indigenous AI solutions, and addressing infrastructural limitations.

Both professors stressed the urgency for African leaders to embrace AI while proactively addressing the ethical considerations surrounding its implementation.

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Prof. Adedimeji used the opportunity to promote the ASE, highlighting its diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including those in Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and various health sciences fields.

Admissions for the upcoming academic year are currently open.

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The lecture concluded with a renewed call for a responsible and ethical approach to AI integration within the African educational landscape, ensuring that this powerful technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

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