The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the theme of this year’s International Day of Education, which focuses on the usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the education sector, as both timely and forward-looking.
The International Day of Education is observed annually on January 24, and this year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” emphasized the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of learning.
In a statement released over the weekend by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor stated that the theme aligns seamlessly with the University’s significant strides in Artificial Intelligence.
Prof. Egbewole noted that the University of Ilorin recognizes the crucial role education plays in preparing future leaders to navigate the rapidly evolving global landscape.
He emphasized the institution’s commitment to equipping its students with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the potential of AI for societal progress.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the University recently trained 21 students in the use of Artificial Intelligence and has plans to sponsor an additional 500 students in the near future.
According to Prof. Egbewole, the training programmes are designed to encourage students to acquire and expand essential skills in exploring and deploying Artificial Intelligence for innovation and career advancement.
He further highlighted that the University of Ilorin has been a trailblazer in promoting excellence in education and community development.
“At the University of Ilorin, we run a SMART Agenda that emphasizes leveraging technology to enhance teaching, learning, and research. We have made remarkable progress in the area of Artificial Intelligence and have invested significantly in digital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art data centre and a robust network that supports online learning,” Prof. Egbewole said.
He also disclosed that plans to establish a Centre for Artificial Intelligence are at an advanced stage. Meanwhile, the Centre for Cybersecurity and the COMSIT unit currently coordinate the University’s AI initiatives.
Prof. Egbewole reiterated the institution’s dedication to innovation and its vision of remaining at the forefront of educational excellence in Nigeria and beyond.