Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Thursday, allayed the fears of Nigerians that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies will displace humanity.
He however cautioned African nations to guard against the reliance on foreign developed artificial intelligence technologies.
The guest lecturer who is a former vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin stated this while delivering the institution’s 2024 lecture series titled: “Artificial intelligence and the future of humanities” at the university auditorium.
Oloyede, a professor of Islamic Studies who will be retiring from service of the university on Thursday October 8th, 2024, haven attained 70 years of age, said already the technology A I has come to stay, but added that “Humanity should be in control of A I if we will save humanities from perdition.”
He urged African nations to key into the technology even as he cautioned against reliance on foreign developed AI technologies.
“Developing countries, especially those in Africa, must actively engage in the global A I landscape to avoid being left behind. The AI revolution is reshaping industries, economies, and education worldwide. If African countries do take proactive steps to participate, they risk becoming consumers rather contributors. Government and institutions across Africa should invest in A I research, education and infrastructure to foster local innovation and ensure that the continent’s unique needs and perspective shape the future of AI.
“African nations need to invest in building their own A I capabilities, so they are not entirely dependent on external powers. By being part of A I’s global development, they can ensure they are not exploited or left out of future.
The professor of Islamic Studies tasked scholars in the discipline to take up the challenge of generating content for A I to ensure that its contents conforms with fundamental human rights, values, and Islamic doctrines and principles.
“In fields like Islamic Studies and Law, A I must be developed with sensitivity to ethical and cultural contexts. Universities and scholars should explore how A I can assist in complex tasks like issuing fat was or navigating legal ethics, while ensuring that AI aligns with fundamental human rights values,” he said.