Newly inducted graduates from the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), have been called upon to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for societal growth and development, as doing so will continue to enhance the quality of education in the State and country at large.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi made the call while delivering the Induction Lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education” at the Induction Ceremony of 876 graduates from the Faculty of Education into the TRCN, held at the OGD Lecture Theatre, OOU, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The SSG who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the education sector was 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 were sine qua none.
“Over the years, technology has been utilised in our education sector, and it has not only been able to transform the learning. It has significantly impacted schools, colleges and universities. One of the technological innovations put in place by this administration was the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA)
Highlighting the opportunities in the use of artificial intelligence, Mr. Talabi said that it would facilitate collaborations between Government, Private Sector and Non- Governmental Organisations, prioritising investment in AI education and research, development of local AI solutions for Nigerian schools and promotion of digital literacy amongst other things
The SSG mentioned inadequate access to reliable internet and limited modern computing infrastructure, limited numbers of AI knowledgeable teachers, cost of implementation, data privacy and security and cultural and social acceptance due to fears of job displacement or the replacement of traditional methods as the challenges facing AI implementation.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, appreciated the invaluable support of the government and every stakeholder for every good step taken to make the students succeed, charging 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 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 embarked upon by his foundation to give immense support to Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration and charged that all hands should be on deck to push the project as it would enhance education when completed.
Contributing, acting Registrar/ Chief Executive, TRCN, Abuja, Dr. Mrs. Stella-Maria Nwakeocha, while inducting the graduate teachers into the council said teaching was no longer an all comers job as the TRCN was out to give the teaching profession a pride of place both within and without the country with a charge to them to adhere strictly to the ethics of teaching which she described as a mother of all professions.
Earlier, 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, adding that AI was 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 charging them to be hard working and dedicated to duties, pledging that they would be good educators and role models as they go into the world.
