By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola, a Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Applications, Johannesburg Business School, South Africa, has stressed the importance of Artificial intelligence (AI) in improving productivity in the country.
Ade-Ibijola said this on Tuesday via webinar at the third Technology Enhanced Learning Forum, organised by Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) with the theme “Artificial Intelligence Education Implication and Strategies for Rapid National Growth”
Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation or approximation of human intelligence in machines.
The goals of artificial intelligence include computer-enhanced learning, reasoning, and perception.
The don underscored the need to create representation and contribution to indigenous AI in the country.
“The world is changing too fast, there is need for training and retraining of youths on the importance of AI.
“Solving for ‘x’ is good, solving societal problems is even better – Africa is behind. It’s the noble thing to do,” Ade-Ibijola said.
He said that with adequate training, AI would close the gap and solve some of the challenges associated with productivity.
According to him, there is need to develop the culture of innovation, incentives, make space, hubs, hackathons, students start ups and technology entrepreneurs.
The President of NCS, Mr Sirajo Aliyu, said the forum was organised to discuss on happenings in the field of education.
He said the theme of the forum was to proffer ways to contribute to the development of the professionals.
NCS is the umbrella body of all Information Technology (IT) professionals and practitioners in the country.
It has memberships across many interest groups and stakeholders serving the interest of the IT ecosystem.(NAN)