FUTA Professor Advocates for Effective Application of AI to Address Societal Challenges

Professor Bolanle Ojokoh, a renowned expert in artificial intelligence and Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), emphasized the transformative potential of AI in addressing societal challenges during the university's 168th inaugural lecture on Tuesday, June 24, 2024.

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In her lecture titled "Intelligent Traversal through the Information Wilderness: Towards Knowledge Discovery and Decision Support," Professor Ojokoh highlighted AI's profound impact across various sectors. She noted that AI is revolutionizing healthcare with advancements in diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans. In the financial sector, AI enhances fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and risk assessment, while customer service is being transformed by AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants.

However, with the rise of AI comes challenges such as the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Professor Ojokoh called for the establishment of standardized quality indicators for online information, increased transparency in search engine algorithms, and the promotion of media literacy through education. She also suggested economic incentives to discourage the spread of false information.

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As the Co-Chair of the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN) and former Head of the Department of Information Systems at FUTA, Professor Ojokoh stressed the importance of ethical AI development. She advocated for a robust ethical framework to address bias, privacy, and transparency in AI systems. This includes enforcing guidelines and incentivizing the development of transparent and ethical AI models through grants or awards.

Professor Ojokoh also emphasized the potential of AI in healthcare delivery. She called for equitable access to AI-powered healthcare tools and open access to research and data to accelerate knowledge discovery. She warned that stringent privacy and security measures are necessary to protect sensitive health data.

To ensure responsible AI use, Professor Ojokoh recommended international collaborations to establish global standards and regulations for AI. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of policies are essential to keep pace with technological advancements. She also pointed out that AI development must align with sustainability principles and prioritize environmental and social considerations.

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Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the occasion, praised Professor Ojokoh as a cerebral researcher and scholar who has significantly contributed to artificial intelligence. She commended Ojokoh for her intellectual prowess and leadership, benefiting both students and younger academics since her appointment at FUTA.