FUTA Hosts Lecture on AI’s Role in Enhancing Higher Education
The 13th Registry Annual Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), featured IT specialist Joel Ogunsola discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing higher education.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), recently held its 13th Registry Annual Lecture, featuring IT specialist and pioneer head of Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships, Mr. Joel Ogunsola. The lecture, held on May 21st, 2024, focused on "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Performance in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)."
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Ogunsola emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. He highlighted AI's ability to personalize learning, optimize administrative processes, and accelerate research and innovation, thus unlocking new opportunities for academic excellence and student success. "In the face of evolving societal challenges, technological advancements, and changing student demographics, traditional approaches to education are no longer sufficient," Ogunsola stated.
He elaborated on how AI can simulate human intelligence processes such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and language understanding. This capability allows AI to revolutionize various aspects of the academic experience, enhancing student learning outcomes and promoting equity and inclusion in education.
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Ogunsola, an alumnus of FUTA and founder of Prunedge, a technology solutions company, discussed the efficiency of AI in analyzing student data. He noted that AI-powered adaptive learning platforms could tailor educational content to individual students' needs by analyzing academic performance, learning preferences, and behavioral patterns.
Regarding administrative efficiency, Ogunsola highlighted AI's potential to streamline processes like admissions, enrollment management, and course scheduling. AI-powered systems can automate routine tasks, optimize resource utilization, and free up valuable time for educators to focus on curriculum development and student support.
The guest lecturer also pointed out AI's relevance to research and innovation within higher education institutions. He urged careful consideration of ethical and societal implications while embracing AI, advocating for measures to guard against algorithmic bias, protect privacy rights, and uphold academic integrity.
In her address, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji praised the timeliness of the lecture’s theme. She emphasized the significance of AI in making daily tasks easier and more efficient, noting that AI's accuracy and objectivity often surpass human efforts.
Registrar and host Mr. Charles Adeleye expressed gratitude for the successful organization of the lecture and emphasized its role in promoting efficiency and excellent service delivery in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, who appreciated the guest lecturer and attendees for their contributions to the lecture’s success.
This annual lecture series at FUTA continues to be a significant event aimed at enhancing the operations and service delivery within the higher education sector in Nigeria.
