Adenike Osofisan, the first female computer science professor at the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Labode Popoola, a former vice chancellor at Osun State University, Osogbo, and Prof. Saka Jimoh, director of the university’s Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), all declared yesterday that artificial intelligence (AI) is a scientific and social imperative that needs to be embraced by all and incorporated into the curriculum of the country.
They claimed that everyone or any country that rejects it will fall behind. The 14th annual Ibadan Sustainable Development Summit (ISDS) 2023, which is now taking place, was given the advice. Its theme was “Engaging Science, Technology, and Innovation in Sustainable Development.”
Every student in primary school, according to Osofisan, has to have a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and what it is capable of. She also stressed the importance of AI for sustainable growth.
AI, according to Popoola, is a social, scientific, and technical necessity that everyone must accept.
“Artificial intelligence has become a way of life,” the former VC remarked. Therefore, it is not noteworthy. Computerization is still a major topic. It has become a permanent way of life. You will fall behind if you don’t join. It is a necessity in terms of technology, science, and society. Thus, whether we like it or not, we must proceed in that direction.
However, he insisted that AI must be put to good and beneficial use rather than harming society.
In his own remarks, Jimoh emphasized that AI is a component of modern innovation and that it is revolutionizing the globe.
Prof. Stella Olabode of the University of Iowa’s Faculty of Agriculture stated there was a need for an integrated strategy that may result in more effective resilient agricultural systems that support sustainable development, lessen poverty, and improve societal well-being.
Professor Kayode Adebowale, the university’s vice chancellor, had earlier stated: “With the adoption of the 2023 agenda for sustainable development in 2015, the global community is committed to eradicating poverty, safeguarding the planet, assuring prosperity, and building peace via partnerships by 2030. To achieve the SDGs, science, technology, and innovation (STI) are essential. It is a crucial tool for assisting in the modernization of productive structures, the wise use of natural resources, and the provision of energy, food, healthcare, and transportation.