By Oluwatope Lawanson
The Lagos State University (LASU), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has urged staff members to keep pace with emerging technologies for improved productivity.
Olatunji-Bello made the call while speaking at the oening session of a 2-day training on Artificial Intelligence (AI), for staff from all cadre in the university.
She said this was necessary in order to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape within university environment.
The LASU boss also emphasized on the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements to remain relevant in the academic sphere while underscoring the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
According to her, in today’s digital age, it is imperative for educators to embrace emerging technologies as tools for innovation and advancement.
The Don noted that by leveraging these technologies effectively, it could revolutionize teaching methods, streamline administrative processes, and foster a conducive learning environment for students.
The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo asserted that LASU’s proactive approach to the adoption of technology underscored the University’s commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation.
“This will empower the staff members to navigate complexities of the digital age and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge.”
She reminded the trainees on the need to preserve LASU as a global brand, and key into emerging technologies in order to remain relevant among other universities of repute.
Olatunji-Bello explained that even as a Vice-Chancellor, she has also had some AI classes in order to be up to date in the new realities.
“Even at the National level, NUC has commenced educating university administrators on the prospects, features and the areas of caution as regards AI.”
A participant Prof. Babajide Balogun, the Ag. Dean of Allied Medical Sciences oof the University expressed some serious concerns about the technology tool.
He noted that AI had exposed gaps in the conventional ways of teaching students, adding that the method of teaching, examining and testing must change.
Citing the instance of the ability of AI to report XRay films much faster and better than human, Balogun stated that the development could be an issue around job prospects for experts in that area.
On his part, Prof. Surajudeen Mudashiru of the Department of Political Science, expressed fears on the use of AI.
“If what we have learnt here is what is available to the public, am scared that the quality of education would be seriously affected”
The training coordinated by the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology of the University, focused on the use of Microsoft Copilot as a working companion.
The Lead Trainer, Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, the Director of the LASU ICT engaged participants on the practicalities of AI tool via several Lab sessions.
This includes how AI-powered tools and algorithms could automate routine tasks, analyze large data sets, and generate valuable insights to support decision-making processes with emphasis on ethical considerations and responsible usage to mitigate potential risks associated with AI implementation.
Participants at the 2-day training on the benefits of Artificial Intelligence for enhanced productivity commended the University for the opportunity to take part in the training, in view of the dynamics brought into the work processes by AI.
The participants who were introduced to the fundamentals of AI technology and its practical applications in academia during the training sessions, agreed that there was need to curb inappropriate usage of the technology tool.
It would be recalled that the University recently released an AI driven conservation module in their Plagiarism Detection Softwar “The LASU GetITRight”.
