The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, has urged tertiary institutions to prioritise the development of digital competencies among students for the country to thrive in increasingly AI-driven global markets.
The Vice-Chancellor took charge at the 2024 Entrepreneurship Studies and Innovation Training Programme held at the University of Osogbo.
Professor Adebooye affirmed, “By building digital skills in line with the demands of AI industries, we will not only improve the global economy but also enhance food production and other critical sectors.”
He stressed, “Technology is driving our world, and the most significant driver is artificial intelligence, which is essential in the computer and digital economy.”
In his own remark in his speech entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship: The Imperative of Curriculum Review for National Development,” the Acting Head of the Computer Engineering Department at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Dr. Dayo Sobowale, also charged youths in the country not only to be users of artificial intelligence but to be developers of artificial intelligence.
The academic don further noted that there is an urgent need for educational institutions to revamp their curricula to keep pace with rapid advancements in science and technology.
While admitting that the government’s policies are not inherently bad and that a lack of effective communication is a significant issue, Dr Sobowale argued that if effective communication is encouraged, the issue of unrest in the country will be minimal.
He called for a bridge in the communication gap between the government and Nigerians.
“One thing I want to advise the government on, firstly, is that the government should communicate with the youths on every issue to avoid incessant unrest in the country.”
“The problem we have is that the policies of the government are not that bad, but the communication is poor.”
“So the youths are not aware. If we want to suffer for two years so that we can enjoy it afterwards, the youth will understand. But the way things are, the dollar is rising. Nobody knows when it’s going to stop.”
“Why is it rising? The communication gap is what I think is the problem. Because what the government is doing is to bring a better life for Nigerians, but a better life cannot start immediately. We must make some sacrifices,” he added.
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