Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, recently highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to address the issue of millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Speaking at the third international colloquium and 50th anniversary of learning opportunities organized by the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obasanjo emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to tackle the education crisis facing the country.
According to Obasanjo, statistics show that over 20 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge in the education sector. He suggested that AI and open distance learning could play a crucial role in addressing this crisis. Drawing from his own experience, Obasanjo shared that he had enrolled in an open distance learning university, emphasizing the effectiveness of this approach in his own educational journey.
The theme of the Colloquium, “The Massive and Ubiquitous Invasion of the Education Landscape By Artificial Intelligence: Whither Open, Flexible and Distance Learning?” reflected the growing influence of AI in the field of education. Obasanjo commended the university’s efforts in fostering innovation and development both within and outside the institution, highlighting the need for transformative solutions in education.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, expressed pride in the institution’s commitment to distance learning, recognizing the shift towards technology-based education. With Nigeria’s large population, particularly the significant youth demographic, there is a pressing need to educate a substantial number of individuals. Distance learning, according to Prof. Ogunsola, presents a viable solution to accommodate and educate a larger segment of the population.
UNILAG has been proactive in embracing change and innovation in education, with a quarter of its two million students engaged in distance learning programs. The university’s senate has approved measures to ensure that distance learning certificates are on par with traditional degree certificates, signaling a commitment to quality and recognition of alternative modes of education delivery.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Ramesh Sharma, Director of Distance Education at the University of Guyana, emphasized the positive impact of AI on open distance and online education. Contrary to fears of job displacement, Sharma highlighted the potential for AI to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. AI can facilitate personalized learning experiences, predict student success, and provide valuable insights through data analysis.
Prof. Risikat Dauda, Director of the Distance Learning Institute at UNILAG, reiterated the institute’s dedication to promoting responsible AI use in education. The incursion of AI in the education sector is reshaping traditional teaching and learning paradigms, offering new opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Overall, the colloquium shed light on the transformative potential of AI in addressing educational challenges, particularly in reaching out-of-school children and enhancing learning outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, leveraging AI in education can pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and effective learning environment for all.