UNILAG moves to strengthen knowledge on artificial intelligence

Against the backdrop of increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in solving human problems, the University of Lagos, Akoka, has organised a three-day Annual Research Conference and Fair (ARCF) on the subject to ensure the country is not left behind.

The conference recently held with the theme ‘Automation and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for the 21st Century Research and Development’ at Jelili Omotola Hall in the university.

The ARCF was an international conference of humanities and sciences targeted at the academia, researchers, students and corporate organisations, among others.

The conference, which was on its 14th-edition, showcased the revolution and effect of AI.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, in his opening remarks said: “ This year’s ARCF theme is a deliberate attempt by the institution at changing the present narratives with the use of modern technologies.

“The ARCF is where we converge and share our works and see best possible solutions for the betterment of the society, with the strong understanding that research is one of the core obligations of a university, and the realisation that the government or university alone cannot adequately fund research.”

Delivering her keynote speech, Acting Chairman, Access Bank, Dr. Dere Awosika, said AI was transforming the nature of almost everything we do, which is connected to human life such as, education, employment, economy, communication, warfare, privacy, security, ethics and healthcare, among others.

“Higher education will be impacted by AI in many ways and the two major areas are curricula and enrolment. AI will have a sweeping impact on curriculum in higher education. The strength of AI is its speed, accuracy, and consistency. AI could be used to teach skills such as science, mathematics and engineering,” she said.