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Former Deputy Rector (Administration), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Omobayo Raheem, has emphasised the need for government and stakeholders in the education sector to harness the gains of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development.
He stressed the need for Nigeria to embrace AI, warning that the nation risks falling further behind if urgent steps are not taken to overcome key barriers to adoption.
Raheem, who is currently a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, made the appeal while delivering the 17th inaugural lecture of the college titled: ‘Capacitance of artificial intelligence: Communication, framing and learning a growing economy.’
He described AI as a powerful tool for improving teaching and learning when used responsibly and strategically, noting that with the right infrastructure and guidance, AI can enhance creativity, critical thinking, and computational capacity.
“AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a current reality reshaping industries across the globe. Artificial Intelligence has come to stay. Individuals, companies, factories and even entire economies are making the best use of it. Nigeria cannot afford to be aloof or lag,” the don stated.
He, however, listed factors such as poverty, lack of electricity, insecurity, corruption, and terrorism as some of the challenges hindering Nigeria’s ability to tap into AI’s full potential.
Raheem urged media professionals to leverage AI tools for story framing and content generation, noting that these tools can enhance both productivity and message clarity.
He also cautioned against overreliance on AI in educational settings. While acknowledging its usefulness in aiding research and writing, he warned that unchecked usage could compromise genuine learning.
He compared AI tools to calculators, useful for practice, but not appropriate during examinations.
While urging stakeholders to see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, Raheem said: “AI has helped us in finance, education, and communication, but if it is not well integrated, it will only widen the gap between us and the rest of the world.”
The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the institution is working towards constituting a comprehensive AI policy to guide its usage.
Abdul, while commending the inaugural lecturer, said the lecture would expand people’s understanding of AI and how it pervades different aspects of communication, media framing and learning.
Abdul said: “He has made us realise that since we now live in the age of digitalisation and globalisation, AI cannot but play the role of a master key in growing our economy.
“It is very important for us as lecturers or parents to embrace AI, try to understand what it can be used for and how it can be positively adapted to the life in which we live.”
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