Former Governor of Lagos State, , has cautioned Nigerians, especially the youths, against the dark side of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that human civilisation and intrinsic values must be preserved despite technology.
He gave this warning while delivering the 27th convocation lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU), yesterday, at the Makanjuola Lecture Theatre on the varsity’s main campus, Ojo, with the theme, “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity.”
He said: “There is a need to preserve human values amid technological advancement. These values have kept us at the apex of all things that exist on Earth.”
Fashola, who noted that the invention of AI had advanced humanity in all spheres, advised the public to embrace the innovation with cautious measures, stressing that its potential will increase prosperity in all endeavours.
He urged the graduating students to embrace technology as they navigate the journey of life, saying that the values and prospects that technology offers are endless.
“Some things as you know it today will not exist in a few years. Some jobs that you aspire to may be gone before you know it. Trust me, whatever the losses, the gains will surpass them.
“Your world and the future it promises will be more exciting and more prosperous. The early foretaste of the impact of Artificial Intelligence is that it is positive for mankind. It portends for example savings in energy consumption as a result of reduced time to get things done.”
He, however, stated that education is not enough, urging the graduands to imbibe the spirit of self-discipline and hard work.
Also, Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu, said that AI’s positive impact had brought exceptional and advancement to humanity, stressing that it will continue to shape lives.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, advised the graduands against shortcuts to success.
He emphasised that technology had helped the state to remove ghost workers and track projects.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said that technology had improved efficiency, enhanced accessibility to solutions and services and guaranteed a better quality of life.
She said that LASU had leveraged the power of technology to overcome her admission challenges.
