Lagos State University, LASU, has stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond merely consuming Artificial Intelligence to developing, securing and commercialising AI solutions for national development.
Speaking on Day Two of the 8th LASU Research and Innovation Fair, themed “Accelerating National Development through Artificial Intelligence-Driven Research and Innovation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, said AI could transform national security, public safety and policymaking.
Professor Adeyanju who was represented by Doctor Kazeem Sulaimon, called for quality local datasets, stronger digital infrastructure, improved digital literacy and responsible AI governance.
“AI for national development. Universities should deliberate and identify national problems. And AI problems that AI can solve” he said.
“And in this regard, I recommend an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in our research. And teaching of AI for national development. So we don’t have to be a single discipline.”
Adeyanju who delivered his address on the topic: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Security, Safety and Policy Transformation” warned against data privacy violations, algorithmic bias and the misuse of deepfakes.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Ibrahim Olateju, said the fair provides an important platform for researchers and students to understand and apply AI to national challenges.
According to the Distinguished Professor, “And some actually confess that it’s now they have begun to understand what artificial intelligence is in academics. What do we expect?”
Representative of the Registrar, the Senior Deputy Registrar, Samuel Otesanya, who delivered the vote of thanks expressed appreciation to the organisers, guests, staff, and participants for their contributions to the success of the event.
The event also featured breakout sessions, exhibitions, presentations by students and awards to the winners, Presentation of Award of appreciation to the Host, 8th LASU Research and Innovation Fair, Professor Adejuwon Adeneye by the Representative of the Vice-Chancellor among other activities.
