Oloyede Urges Africa to Build Its Own AI Technologies

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Wednesday in Ilorin advised African nations to guard against reliance on overseas-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Oloyede gave this advice in his presentation at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) Lecture Series, titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities”.

The Registrar, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Unilorin, also cautioned those in the academics who lack adequate knowledge about their subjects against adopting AI.

”Avoid doing this in the quest to seek solution about your subjects. so as not to be mislead,” he said.

Oloyede however allayed the fears that AI would replace humanity, pointing out that the technology has come to stay.

He however maintained that humanity should be in control of AI “if we will save humanity from perdition”.

“African nations need to invest in building their own AI capabilities, so that they will not be entirely dependent on external powers.

“By being part of AI’s global development, they can ensure that they are not exploited or left out of future.

“The African Telecocommunication Unions (ATU), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Smart Africa must lead the charge in developing AI strategies tailored to the continent’s specific needs,” the JAMB Registrar added.

Oloyede observed that these bodies listed should promote policies that encourage the ethical development and use of AI across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.

He advocated that a collaboration between African countries on AI research and data sharing can help mitigate the risk of relying on overseas-developed AI technologies.

Oloyede, who is a professor of Islamic Studies, tasked scholars in the discipline to take up the challenge of generating content for AI.

He said this would help to ensure that its contents conform with fundamental human rights, values and Islamic doctrines and principles.

“In fields like Islamic Studies and Law, AI must be developed with sensitivity to ethical and cultural contexts.

“Universities and scholars should explore how AI can assist in complex tasks like issuing ‘fatwahs’ or navigating legal ethics, while ensuring that AI aligns with fundamental human rights values,” the professor said.