The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has challenged academic institutions to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions into their curricular and ensure lecturers are retrained to keep pace with technological advancements.
Kalu who stated this while speaking at the University of Calabar’s 50th anniversary, 37th convocation lecture and award ceremonies in Calabar, reiterated the need for education to go beyond theory.
Highlighting the impact of AI and automation, Kalu cited World Economic Forum projections that AI will displace 85 million jobs by 2025 while creating 97 million new roles.
The Deputy Speaker called on Nigerian business leaders to support universities through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs in order for the nation to move with the world technologically.
Speaking after receiving his award, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio acknowledged current challenges facing Nigerians but assured that within the next one to two years, Nigerians would see significant progress.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Eka Braide, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, highlighted the importance of community service and active engagement in universities to ensure that academic work remains relevant to societal needs and contributes to sustainable development.