UNILORIN Dean Calls for Skill Enhancement in Response to AI Impact
Prof. Bamidele Victor Owoyele emphasizes lifelong learning and adaptation in response to AI's growing impact across industries.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a thought-provoking address during the Babcock University student week, Prof. Bamidele Victor Owoyele, Dean of the Postgraduate School at the University of Ilorin, emphasised the urgent need for individuals to enhance their skills in light of the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across diverse sectors.
Prof. Owoyele, a distinguished figure in Physiology, highlighted AI's transformative impact on industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and finance. He emphasized that AI technologies now possess the capability to perform tasks previously handled exclusively by humans, potentially reshaping workforce dynamics.
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Citing examples from the healthcare sector, Prof. Owoyele showcased how AI, through smartphone applications, facilitates health monitoring and predictive analytics. He noted China's pioneering efforts with AI-operated hospitals, raising both optimism for enhanced efficiency and concerns about accountability in the absence of direct human oversight.
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"While AI promises significant benefits," Prof. Owoyele cautioned, "we must prepare ourselves to adapt to a landscape where AI-driven systems may replace traditional roles, including those of doctors and nurses." He stressed the ongoing necessity for human interaction and oversight in critical decision-making processes.
Drawing parallels to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's pursuit of lifelong learning, Prof. Owoyele urged individuals to prioritize continuous improvement through education, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. He warned against complacency, asserting that ongoing skill development is essential to navigating the evolving job market.
"Education remains our most potent tool," Prof. Owoyele concluded, urging society to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. As AI continues to evolve, he emphasized the need for proactive measures to harness its potential while safeguarding human-centric values and ethical standards.
The Dean's address resonated as a call to action, challenging individuals to embrace lifelong learning as a pathway to personal and professional resilience in an increasingly AI-driven era.
Contact:
For more information, please contact the University of Ilorin's Postgraduate School.
