JAMB Regstrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede Warns Against Unchecked Use of AI in Education at UNILORIN Lecture
At the 8th University of Ilorin Lecture, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede cautioned stakeholders in education to approach Artificial Intelligence with caution due to its complexities.
Mary Nwaeze 
During the 8th University of Ilorin Lecture held on October 9, 2024, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), emphasized the importance of being cautious with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Speaking on the topic “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities” at the University Auditorium, he urged lecturers, students, and educational stakeholders to thoroughly understand the subject matter before incorporating AI into their learning processes.
Prof. Oloyede acknowledged the growing significance of AI in contemporary society but stressed that only those with a solid foundation in their respective fields can truly leverage its benefits. He warned that individuals who lack a deep understanding of their disciplines may be misled by the unregulated use of AI, which could hinder their educational advancement rather than enhance it.
Addressing the audience, Prof. Oloyede advocated for a cautious approach to adopting AI technologies across African nations. He recognized AI as a vital tool for development, capable of addressing challenges in education, healthcare, governance, and agriculture. However, he cautioned that its deployment must be approached with care and diligence.
The JAMB Registrar also highlighted the need for universities to innovate their assessment methods, advocating for an emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and original analysis rather than mere recall of facts. He reassured the audience that, despite fears surrounding AI's potential to undermine human value, the technology is ultimately a product of human ingenuity.
In a Q&A session, Prof. Oloyede, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), called on individuals of all faiths to practice their beliefs sincerely. He attributed the emergence of extremist groups, like Boko Haram, to the shortcomings of religious scholars who may have either misunderstood their faiths or neglected their roles.
The former Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the University authorities for the opportunity to deliver the lecture and encouraged the higher education system to maintain its traditional standards of excellence.
Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the current Vice Chancellor of the University, welcomed attendees and praised Prof. Oloyede as a distinguished alumnus and scholar, noting his impactful tenure as Vice Chancellor from 2007 to 2012. The event attracted numerous dignitaries, including former Vice Chancellors and notable public figures.
