VC DELSU, Prof. Samuel O.Asagba speaking at 17th Convocation Lecture on Friday
By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor, Delta State University Abraka, Prof. Samuel O.Asagba said the Delta State University, Abraka is set to incorporate Artificial Intelligence(AI) into the institution’s educational system based on its usefulness to the growth and development of humanity.
Prof. Asagba gave this hint at the 17th Convocation Lecture held on the Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium site 3 on Friday. According to him, AI is very important as it contributes in all aspects to the growth and development of the society. He said, the institution can not be left behind in this regard as it has started as it would be deployed in all areas in the school system. His words:” We shall fashion out a way to incorporate AI into our system of education here in DELSU. We can deploy it in all areas: in the library and other areas. We cannot be left behind, we have already started and we are going to follow up, DELSU will be there”.
According to him, the institution would take advantage of AI to improve the educational system of teaching and learning in the ever dynamic world where knowledge rules. Prof. Asagba said the institution would make the Guest Lecturer of the day to be consultant to quicken the realization of this goal. He therefore sued for co-operation of all to harness this aspect and move the institution to the next level. His words:” We shall put our heads together and harness it to the benefit of our University” The VC who expressed gratitude to Prof.Peter Okebukola for delivering a good lecture, adding, no doubt, the participants have learned a great deal from the lecture.
Delivering the lecture of the 17th Convocation ceremony titled:” Building an AI-Ready Workforce for Nigeria’s Future: Strategies for Education, Skills Development and Innovation”, Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola said there are many definitions of the subject matter but said, Artificial Intelligence could be seen as “a set of technologies that enables machines to mimic human intelligence.”
According to him, it is the process of simulating human intelligence by machines enabling them to perform human-like tasks. He said, humans encounter such processes on a daily basis when sending a message using WhatsApp or a messaging App or typing text in a word processing environment adding that, the software suggests words and sentences to one as one types, adding that, if one calls one’s bank or phone service provider, and a non-human voice answers one, it is an AI that is in operation.
Prof. Okebukola said, AI can be classified based on capabilities, functionalities adding, on capabilities, AI can be grouped into three types based on how smart and capable and they are: Narrow AI which is like a tool that is good at doing just one thing as recognising faces, answering questions, or spam filters in emails. According to him, It is smart in its own area but cannot do everything while the General AI can think and learn just like a person and can do almost anything a human can do- which he said, the level of AI is still being worked on as scientists have not made it yet.
The Convocation Lecturer said Super AI is the one smarter than people, with the ability to solve super-complicated problems and possibly even create new ideas saying, It is more like a future dream than something one has right now. While classifying AI, he said, it can be classified on the basis of functionality: reactive machine; limited memory; theory of mind; and self-awareness. According to him, while AI has passed many developmental stages, today, it is a key part of industries ranging from healthcare, transportation, entertainment and finance just as he said, AI-powered technologies, such as voice assistants, self-driving cars, and recommendation systems which are now integrated into human’s daily lives. He said, AI performs many functions among which are Data Collection, Training the Model: as AI uses algorithms (like recipes) to identify features and patterns in the data, learning from mistakes which developers correct and refine the algorithms to improve its accuracy.He also said, it is used in testing and deployment as, once the AI is good at its task (after lots of learning), it is tested to ensure it works reliably.
The Lecturer whose lecture was interjected with applauds from the listeners said, AI continues to learn with new data and gets better over time—this is called “continuous learning”, saying, it is like how humans keep improving skills with practice. He said, while AI seems magical, it is all built on mathematics, statistics, and logic—but its ability to process and learn from massive amounts of data is what makes it seem extraordinary.
As regards DELSU in relation to AI, past and the present leadership of Prof.Asagba of the institution, Prof. Okebukola said, the institution is blessed as its AI potentials are about the best in Nigeria. According to him, the institution is favoured going by quality of leadership that the University has been endowed over the years. He said, the VCs have been simply outstanding and Prof. Asagba is not left out because, he is a leading light in Africa in environmental biochemistry and toxicology- the man God has specially chosen to lead DELSU at this time.
Prof. Okebukola said that Professor Asagba would be the best VC the people have ever had due to his humility,dedication and hard work.He said, his prayer is that, great God of Heaven and Earth will be with him every day of his tenure and give him 100% success. On the importance of AI to Nigeria, he said, Nigeria’s future will be inextricably linked with AI development, deployment and use in all sectors for the 400 million Nigerians in 2050.
According to him, It would provide a multiplication factor of five to productivity and if properly mobilized through education, skills development, and innovation, it would lower the vexatious low performance of Nigeria in such sectors as education, health, food security and national security. The erudite Guest Lecturer said ,if Nigerians fail to build a workforce that is AI savvy, they risk being the laughingstock of the world . Based on this, he said , there is need, today, to reflect on how Nigerians can help themselves to enable Heaven help in this regard.
According to him, the anticipated workforce for Nigeria in the different sectors by 2050 is the year Nigeria’s population is expected to double and reach the 400 million mark just as he said, in 2050, Nigeria is projected to rank as the third most populous country in the world, surpassing the United States as only India and China that would have larger populations than Nigeria at that time.
L-R: VC DELSU, Prof. Samuel O.Asagba (1st) flanked by others at 17th Convocation Lecture on Friday
Prof. Okebukola congratulated the graduating students for the successful completion of their studies and advised them to be good ambassadors of the institution. His words:”To my dear graduands,Delta State University has prepared you to be leaders, innovators, and change makers. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, remember the values and knowledge you have acquired in this great university. Carry with you the spirit of curiosity, determination, and integrity that defines the DELSU community.
“The world awaits your talents, ideas, and contributions. After your NYSC year, whether you are venturing into uncharted territories or building upon well-laid foundations, know that your potential is limitless. You are part of a legacy of excellence, and your success will inspire generations to come.
“As you celebrate this well-deserved achievement, go forth with confidence and pride, knowing that you are well-equipped to make a difference in the world. The future is yours to shape, and we cannot wait to see the remarkable things you will accomplish. Congratulations once again, Class of 2025!”
Prof. Okebukola expressed gratitude to the previous Vice Chancellors of the great institution for their efforts which Prof. Samuel Asagba has come to build on at present and they are: Prof. F.M.A. Ukoli, Prof. Pius O. Sada, Prof. A.E. Ekoko, Prof. Uvie A. Igun, Prof. J.O. Enaohwo, Prof. Eric A. Arubayi, Prof. Victor F. Peretomode and Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga.
He also thanked DELSU- Provosts, Deans, Heads of Department and Unit, Council and Senate and of course, he specially thanked Professor Hilary Owamah, Former Director of Academic Planning and now Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for all that he did to facilitate his presence for the lecture saying, they are all making DELSU proud.