…as he advocates for total adoption of AI technology for academic development. 

By Chris Onuoha 

Precious Onyenweaku, a seasoned digital project expert has advocated the need to adopt and apply artificial intelligence AI, in educational development in Nigeria. 

Onyenweaku who is also a business development strategist based on the United Kingdom disclosed this during an academic conference organised by the Federal University Wukari, on September 21, 2023,  where he defended the importance of AI as the current enabler in academic development  in the country. 

In his presentation titled; “Artificial Intelligence: Implications for University Academic Utilization”, Onyenweaku elicited enthusiasm among students of physiotherapy department,  the main organisers of the conference, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing Nigeria’s academic landscape.

Drawing home his points, he said: “Based on my experience in UK and my deep familiarity with the Nigerian education system, as a co-founder of Forward Agro Institute and as facilitator of  ‘Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development’  (Agro-Allied) program with the NYSC, Ondo State (2012-2014), I vehemently advocate for the deliberate and systematic integration of AI tools into Nigeria’s educational system.”

In addition, he emphasized the power of AI to personalise learning, enhance research capabilities, and bridge language barriers in Nigeria’s diverse academic environment.

He said: “Having imagined AI assistants that can provide personalised feedback, translate languages, and even transcribe lectures, I proposed that students should immerse and embrace the potentials of AI-enhanced learning experience. I also advocated the use of cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grammarly, Elicit and other emerging technologies, demonstrating how they can empower students to excel in research, writing, and overall academic performance.”

Onyenweaku further explained the practical applications of AI, highlighting how the technology can assist students in research works, saying that AI can rapidly sift through vast amounts of data, identify relevant sources, and summarise key findings, acting as a tireless research assistant.

He said the AI-powered tools can help students refine their writing by offering suggestions for grammar, style, and clarity, ensuring their work is polished and impactful. For language enhancement, he noted that AI can translate languages, convert Nigerian pidgin to standard English, and improve grammar, making academic writing more accessible.

“In terms of accessibility, AI can record and transcribe lectures, generate summaries, and even attend meetings and lectures as a note-taking assistant, particularly for those with disabilities, while on organisation and exam preparation, AI can help students develop crucial organisational skills, create study plans, track progress, and generate practice quizzes for exam preparation,” he said.

Onyenweakwu highlighted examples of how AI is being successfully used in education in developed countries, disclosing that socioeconomic challenges should not be a barrier to adopting these technologies in Nigeria.  He further stressed that AI can be a powerful tool for educational equity, providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed regardless of their background.

However, Onyenweaku also underscored the importance of responsible AI adoption, stressing the need for a balanced approach that complements, and not replace human skills and creativity. 

“AI should be a tool to amplify our potential, and not todiminish the importance of critical thinking and ethical decision-making. Students must make responsible and ethical use of AI in enhancing academic work whilst avoiding plagiarism. The technology is not about shortcuts,  rather, it is about empowering self with powerful tools to achieve ones potential.”

Onyenweaku’s presentation served as a powerful call to action, urging Nigerian universities to embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while upholding academic integrity and ethical considerations. His insights left a lasting impression on the audience and students, inspiring them to explore the vast possibilities of AI in modern education.