A former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Idowu Olayinka; the immediate past registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah Ajiboye; the UI Post-graduate College Provost, Prof. Ayo Ogunjuyigbe, and other scholars have warned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, stating that machines must not replace human beings.
The scholars warned against excessive usage of technology and AI, especially in scholarly writings.They made the call during an interdisciplinary discourse organised by the Postgraduate College of the university in honour of Prof. Olabode Lucas’ 80th birthday, which took place at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre of the university. Lucas is a former Dean of the college.
The lecture was attended by renowned scholars, including the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba; the Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu; Prof. Femi Osofisan and Prof. Olakunbi Olasope.
The event featured a keynote lecture, with the theme: ‘Integrating the Past with the Present for Efficient Administration of the University System’. Prof. Olayinka delivered the lecture. Olayinka said that the problem of poor funding in federal universities would continue to linger if the government failed to increase the educational budgetary allocations.
Speaking on technology, the Professor of Applied Geophysics emphasised that AI would not replace human thinking. He maintained that AI was a tool devised by humans and ought to be used to improve productivity and efficiency.
The former VC said: “AI is supposed to be a tool, and is made up of machines which are designed by human beings. Human beings design software, hardware and coding and cannot replace humans. AI and technology are supposed to help us, not to replace man. Critical thinking and innovativeness are very important. AI and technology are not supposed to replace human thinking.”
After Olayinka’s lecture, a three-member panel spoke on the theme: ‘Leveraging Technology to Transform Post-graduate Education in Africa’.
The panelists were Prof. Francis Egbokhare, Josiah Ajiboye and Aina Adeogun. Adeogun, a professor in the Department of Zoology, said academics and students must use technology and AI responsibly.
Adeogun said: “Technology and AI must be used with caution. AI cannot do everything. Technology cannot do everything. But, before we use technology, we must tackle the problem of power in Nigeria. Technology can only improve what we do and who we are. Technology opens up new possibilities, but there are drawbacks. Let us use AI with a lot of caution.”
Also speaking, Egbokhare of the Faculty of Arts said that academics and students should not put too much of a burden on technology and AI.
Egbokhare said: “Technology must facilitate productivity. There is a problem of overdependence on technology and AI. You have to use it in a way that will not put too much burden on the end users.”
In his remarks, Ajiboye of the Faculty of Education said that everything had changed as a result of technology. Ajiboye said: “Technology has come to revolutionise what we do, including education. We have to rethink how we train our students. 21st century and competent skills are very important. Technology will not replace teachers but teachers who don’t know how to use technology will be replaced by those that know how to use it.
“Africa has to catch up with what is happening in the world in terms of technology and infrastructure to improve the quality of education in our schools. The rest of the world is not waiting for us. We have to take a lot of caution and precautions to select the kind of technology we have to use.
“Universities must focus on skills and competence. As we are introducing our children to technology, some countries are re-introducing books.
“Bring back our books because their children do not read anymore. It has its negative sides, we must do it with caution. So, we should also address the issue of power. Technology and AI have brought significant changes but too much dependence is dangerous.”Ajiboye also described Prof. Lucas as an institution in the university that must be celebrated.
“Prof. Lucas is an institution in this university. He has proven his mettle. Olabode Lucas at 80 is something we should all celebrate. We thank PG College for organising this programme,” Ajiboye said.
On his part, the Provost, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe, lauded the strides and hard work of Prof. Lucas while he presided over the postgraduate school. The provost also cautioned students on the wholesale use of AI in their works.
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