Newly inducted graduates from the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, have been charged to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) , so as to enhance the quality of education in the State and Nigeria at large
The Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi gave the charge while delivering the Induction Lecture on "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education" at the Induction ceremony of 876 graduate teachers from the Faculty of Education conducted by the Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), held at the OGD Lecture Theatre, OOU, Ago-Iwoye
Talabi represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the education sector is undeniable as it stands to revolutionalise learning, teaching and good management of the educational systems, with a promised future where personalised learning, efficient administrative processes and improved access to quality education are sine qua none.
"Over the years, technology has been utilised in our education sector, and it has not only been able to transform and learning. Still, it has significantly impacted schools, colleges and universities. One of the technological innovations put in place by this administration is the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA)
Talabi who described Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for societal growth and development, stressed the need to prioritize investment in AI education and research, development of local AI solutions for Nigerian schools and promotion of digital literacy amongst other things.
He added that AI would provide opportunities for collaborations among Government, Private Sector, and Non Governmental Organisations to further improve education sector
He identified challenges facing AI implementation in the country, to include inadequate access to reliable internet and limited modern computing infrastructure, limited numbers of AI knowledgeable teachers, cost of implementation, data privacy and security as well as cultural and socal acceptance due to fears of job displacement or the replacement of traditional methods
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola appreciated the invaluable support of the government and every stakeholder for every good step taking to make the students succeed
He charged them to keep thriving for the best, inspire any life they come across, shape everyone around them and be committed to the values of the institution through the Alumni Association.
On his part, the special guest of honour Otunba Bankole Habeeb Olugbile while turning the sod of a new building project for the faculty, said the initiative was borne out of his support for educational outreaches embark upon by his foundation to give immense support to Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration
The Vice-Chancellor said g all hands should be on deck to push the project as it would enhance education when completed.
On her part, the acting Registrar/ Chief Executive, TRCN, Abuja, Dr. Mrs. Stella - Maria Nwakeocha while inducting the graduate teachers into the council said teaching is no longer an all comers job as the TRCN is out to give the teaching profession a pride of place both within and without the country with a charge on them to adhere strictly to the ethics of teaching which she described as a mother of all professions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Yekini Oguntimehin admonished the inductees to be abreast of everything around them as learning starts from the womb and ends in the tomb and added that AI is the in-thing at the moment, therefore, they should all embrace further learning.
Responding on behalf of all inductees, Miss Oyindamola Adekola from the Art and Science Education Department, appreciated the institution for shaping their life as they are celebrating hard work and dedication and pledged that their stepping into the world to go and be good educators and role models.
No comments:
Post a Comment