President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, has called for a bold drive towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for sustainability, as Africa continues to seek smart solutions to its technological and infrastructural challenges
He made the call as the University hosted the International Conference on Knowledge, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Information Professions.
“The future of Africa will not be built by resources alone, but by ideas, technology, creativity, and courageous leadership,” Prof. Ojewole declared, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
He noted that while AI is disrupting professions, replacing familiar tools and threatening certain skills, it also creates new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“Knowledge and innovation are the keys to competitiveness in today’s digital era. Those who generate new knowledge, harness existing knowledge, and exploit new tools will stay ahead of the competition," Bahe added
According to the African Development Bank, AI could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035, while the State of AI in Africa Report (2023) identified more than 2,400 startups across 35 countries already leveraging AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education with Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa leading the pack.
Predictive analytics and smart irrigation have boosted crop yields by up to 30 percent, diagnostic tools are reducing misdiagnosis rates by 20–30 percent, and millions of students are accessing adaptive learning platforms powered by AI.
Keynote speaker Dr. Adesoji Tayo, a policy advocate and administrator in governance, innovation, and organizational leadership, emphasized the need for inclusive policies to balance innovation with impact
“AI will change the work we do. The question is, will we lead the change or be swept away by it?” , he warned
Dr. Tayo who is also the President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation, advocated for policies ensuring equitable access, digital literacy, and responsible AI governance
Humanity’s relationship with AI according to him, is at a critical juncture requiring urgent attention to both challenges and opportunities.
Head of host department, Information Resources Management, Professor Ezewanyi Madukoma, thanked participants and management for their support noting that the conference not only positions Babcock University as a hub for innovation and AI research in Africa but that with the right leadership and inclusive policies, AI can revolutionize development, driving sustainability and global competitiveness.
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