• Say it’s scientific, social imperative
• Innovation key to achieving SDGs, says UI VC

The first female professor of Computer Science, University of Ibadan (UI), Adenike Osofisan; a former Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Labode Popoola and Director, Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan, Prof. Saka Jimoh, yesterday, said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a scientific and social imperative that must be embraced by all and must be inculcated into the nation’s curriculum.

They said anyone or nation that refuses to embrace it would be left behind.
They gave the advice during the ongoing 14th yearly Ibadan Sustainable Development Summit (ISDS) 2023 organised by CESDEV, UI, in collaboration with SDSN with the theme, ”Engaging Science, Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Development.”

Osofisan said every child from primary school must have an idea of what an AI is all about and what it can do, adding that AI is pivotal to sustainable development.

Popoola said AI is a social, scientific and technological imperative that must be embraced by all.

The former VC said: “Artificial Intelligence has become a way of life. So, it is nothing special. It is still about computerisation. It is a way of life that has come to stay. If you do not join, you will be left behind. It is a technological, scientific and social imperative. So, whether we like it or not, we have to go that way.”

He, however, said AI must be used for something noble and salutary, and not something detrimental to society.

Jimoh, in his own remarks, said AI was part of innovation in the world today, emphasising that it has come to stay and is revolutionising the world.

On her part, Prof. Stella Olabode of the Faculty of Agriculture, UI, said there was a need for an integrated approach that could lead to more efficient resilient agricultural systems that promote sustainable development, reduce poverty and contribute to the overall wellbeing of societies.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said: “With the adoption of the 2023 agenda for sustainable development in 2015, the global community is committed to ending poverty, protecting the planet, ensuring prosperity and fostering peace through partnerships by 2030. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is critical to achieving the SDGs. It is an important tool for supporting the transformation of productive structures, the rational use of natural resources and the delivery of healthcare, food, education, energy and transport.”