The Oyo State Government, the Vice Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Town, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan; the founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Network (RAIN), Dr. Olusola Ayoola, and other experts have called on students and lecturers to embrace Artificial Intelligence [AI] and its benefits, describing AI as the future of education.
They made the call during the Artificial Intelligence hackathon programme organised by Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo in collaboration with School Try Sweden, Tech Mind Africa, and Ericsson.
The Hackathon, which was facilitated by the Oyo State Government through the office of the SSA to the Governor on ICT, Bayo Akande saw 113 students divided into 11 groups present solutions through the use of Artificial Intelligence to various problems.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olaniyan, described the Hackathon as nothing short of extraordinary which has truly highlighted the boundless potential of Artificial Intelligence in transforming the world.
According to Olaniyan, events like the AI Hackathon not only showcase the incredible talents of the students but also a reminder of the profound impact that could be made when efforts are united towards solving the most pressing issues of the time.
The VC also urged the participants not to lose sight of the endless incredible potential that artificial intelligence holds for shaping a better future, from advancing healthcare to combating climate change, from revolutionising education to enhancing accessibility.
On his part, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, who was represented by the Director of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Oluwole Adewale said there was a pressing need to harness the transformational potential of modern technology to make education more inclusive and effective.
Adelabu lauded the university for establishing the Department of Technology Education that includes Artificial Intelligence which covers robotics, automation and digital literacy.
He said, “There is a pressing need to harness the transformative potential of modern technology to make education more inclusive and effective. This and many more reasons call for knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI), which has been noticed to have the capacity to personalise learning experiences and adapt to individual needs and even enhance student engagement.
“It is worth knowing that learning how to use digital tools, software, and information systems, which form part of digital literacy, as well as knowledge of robotics and designing and programming can no longer cause sleepless nights for our students.
“The future of Al in education is decidedly transformative, redefining traditional teaching and learning methods. Al’s future in K-12 education holds immense promise, offering dynamic tools to enhance engagement.
“The end goal of Al is to create systems and machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.”
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on ICT Matters, Bayo Akande, appreciated Governor Makinde for making the event possible.
Akande said such an event would give students opportunities to learn and garner skills in the tech space.
He also urged the students to be curious and go beyond what they are being taught in class, make the utmost use of courses online that can help them in shaping their future.
Others who spoke during the events include a former member of the Oyo House of Assembly, Hon Seyi Adisa; the Chief Executive Officer, School Try, Mr. Ismaeel Eleburuike, who urged the students to have a mindset of impacting their society, dream big, and let the Hackathon be the beginning of the great innovations that will spring forth out of them.
The sum of N1million was presented to the winner of the Hackathon, which is group eight while N750,500 was presented to the 1st and 2nd runner up, which are groups ten and one.
Also, 10 students were given laptops for being vibrant in the sessions leading to the grand finale while every other participant got a cash gift of N10,000.
