IAUE: Faculty of Humanities Holds Fifth International Conference
The 5th International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities held on Wednesday June 5, 2024 with a charge on stakeholders to focus on the development of citizens at all times.
philips22 
The 5th International Conference of the Faculty of Humanities held on Wednesday June 5, 2024 with a charge on stakeholders to focus on the development of citizens at all times.
Read also: IAUE Senate Approves the Establishment of Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
Declaring the Conference with the theme "AI and the Humanities" open, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Professor Okechuku Onuchuku observed that development without human capital development amount to a waste of valuable resources.
No matter the sector, every development must be geared towards improving the welfare of citizens for progress and growth in that sector according to him.
While referring to Artificial intelligence as computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions or solving problems, he allayed fears that jobs of humans will be completely eroded.
The Acting Vice Chancellor added that even though computers through programming are mimicking human intelligence processes and built to think, act like humans and replicate problem solving abilities, they cannot completely take over the job of humans.
Humans he reiterated will use artificial intelligence to develop whatever Unit, Community, State and Nation that they find themselves in.
Professor Onuchuku informed that it is for economic growth and development that humans are confronting the environment with a view to producing those services that can make for comfort and apt stressing that Artificial intelligence is one way to do that.
In his welcome address, the Dean Faculty of Humanities Professor Kingdom Eke Orji affirmed that in the 21st century globalised society, knowledge has been identified as the indisputable fifth factor of production and the pivot on which meaningful holistic development resolved.
He stated that a knowledge driven economy is a brand in the production, distribution, exchange and that consumption of goods and services are anchored strategically on the threshold of intellectual property that dovetails into the acceleration of scientific innovation.
According to the Dean, the integration of Artificial intelligence into the realm of the Humanities marks a watershed in repositioning erstwhile research mechanisms for digitalization and automation.
Artificial intelligence he opined has the capacity of assisting scholars in the Humanities with data analysis and decision making, breaking of communication barriers through Artificial intelligence powered language translation tools, the creation of functional robotic systems amidst others.
Read also: IAUE Advises Students to Register Their Courses or Risk Their Studentship
Professor Orji emphasized that the unique feature of the Conference is its noble attempt to mainstream the “Gown and Town” symbiotic relations.
He expressed gratitude to the Acting Vice Chancellor for his steadfast and unflinching commitment to the maximum successes of all conferences at the Departmental and Faculty levels.
Speaking on “The Promises of Artificial intelligence in the Humanities: An African Perspective and the Charge for IAUE”, the Acting Director ICT Centre Dr Nathaniel Ojekudo highlighted the gains of a high level understanding of Artificial intelligence concepts, applications and implications particularly within the African context.
He explored the transformative potentials of generative Artificial intelligence and it’s impact on academia, governments, industries and society.
He also reflected on the ethical considerations and challenges associated with Artificial intelligence and identified opportunities for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) to leverage Artificial intelligence for innovation, education and societal benefits.
The Natural Ruler and Nyeweli Ali Rumuolumeni Kingdom, His Royal Highness King (Engr) Chukwuemeka Victor E. N. Woji Okocha Olumeni ( Olumeni XII) was conferred with an award of honour for his role in keeping peace and security which has translated in the giant strides recorded in the University Community.
In his response to the award received, the Nyeweli Ali Rumuolumeni Kingdom expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Humanities for the honour done him and pledged his support and that of his Council of Chiefs towards all university activities.
Read also: IAUE Bans Students From Cooking in the Hostels
He also stressed the essence of Artificial intelligence in the new world of technology and advised staff and students to key into it adding that technology is the way to go.
Professor Tunde Ope Davies of the Centre for Digital Humanities, University of Lagos presented the lead paper at the conference which focused on “The Role of New Technologies in Reconfiguring and Retooling the Humanities: Exploring DH and AI.
IAUE Media
