UNILORIN developing ethical AI policy – Egbewole

…as 5 Unilorites graduate from AI for Africa programme

By Temitope Omoniyi

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN,has disclosed that the institution is already working on an ethical policy that will drive the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Prof. Egbewole stated this penultimate weekend during a virtual AI for Africa Graduation Programme organised by the University of Ilorin in partnership with Tech Mindset Africa.

The graduates of the first UNILORIN AI for Africa programme are Hassan Eleburuike, Barakatulahi Ola-Lawal, Dr Maimuna Orire Abdulraheem, Adeniyi Emmanuel, and Azeezah Alao.

In his address, titled “The Future of AI is Here”, the Vice Chancellor warned that “as we embrace this new reality, we must also recognise the responsibilities it brings”.

He added that “the future of AI must be a future built on trust, transparency, and ethics. We must ensure that AI serves humanity — not replaces it, not controls it, but serves it. This means designing systems that are fair, that respect privacy, that are inclusive and accountable.”

Prof. Egbewole congratulated the graduands for taking the bull by the horn and by registering the name of the University in the global map of Artificial Intelligence.

He appreciated the CEO of Tech Mindset Africa, Joan Mbesya, and the Director of Computer Services and Information Technology (COMSIT), University of Ilorin, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh, for pulling this through.

The Vice Chancellor said, “I also thank the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, and of course I appreciate the ever dynamic and responsible students of the University of Ilorin under the able leadership of the smart President, Victor Agezeh. I also put on record the efforts of Mr Ismail Eleburuike, the CEO of SchoolTry who linked us with Tech Mindset Africa.”

In her remarks, Joan Mbesya, CEO of Tech Mindset Africa, praised the Vice Chancellor’s commitment and support, which, she noted, significantly contributed to the success of Cohort 1. While congratulating the learners on their dedication, she assured the University that Cohort 2 would surpass expectations.

Mbesya also praised the Acting Head of the Department of Information Technology, Dr. Muh’tahir Oloyede’s dedication and efforts in overseeing the necessary activities of learners, which has significantly contributed to this success.