In a compelling address at the University of Ilorin’s prestigious lecture series, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), issued a stark caution to African nations regarding the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on foreign-developed artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities,’ Professor Oloyede urged African countries to invest in their own AI capabilities. He stressed, “Rather, African nations should invest in building their own AI capabilities, so they are not 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 the future.”
He further advocated for the adoption of Hausa sign language as Nigeria’s second national official language, emphasizing the need for inclusive communication strategies.
Professor Oloyede, who is the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, also warned academics against the uncritical adoption of AI, especially when lacking sufficient subject knowledge. “Humanity should be in control of AI, if we will save humanities from perdition,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of maintaining human oversight over AI technologies.
He called on major African bodies such as the African Telecommunication Unions (ATU), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Smart Africa to spearhead the development of AI strategies tailored to the continent’s unique needs. These strategies, he suggested, should promote ethical AI development and application across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.
“Collaboration between African countries on AI research and data sharing can help mitigate the risk of relying on foreign developed AI technologies,” he added, pointing to regional cooperation as a key factor in bolstering Africa’s AI landscape.
He also challenged scholars, particularly in Islamic Studies and Law, to create AI content that aligns with ethical and cultural values. “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 fatwas or navigating legal ethics, while ensuring that AI aligns with fundamental human rights values,” Professor Oloyede concluded.
