By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

A Professor of History at the University of Texas, Austin,United States of America (USA), Oloruntoyin Falola, has advised Nigerian youths to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) maximally, for positive development.

Prof.Falola gave the advice at the just concluded convocation ceremony of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo.

He noted that the world is currently in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which he said comprises human and machine intelligence.

Acknowledging challenges in global trends,the renowned historian, said the basis of wealth accumulation during that period “does not come from land, but from what your brain can produce”, adding that the emergence of AI was based on the capacity to think.

He stated that the financial age, which took over from manufacturing age, led to the emergence of the stock market, which “created enormous wealth for people within the confines of their rooms”.

Expressing serious concern on what he classified as digital imperialism and data colonialism in Africa, Prof Falola stated that,“if people of Africa don’t move fast, we will be in serious trouble”.

He warned against the dangers of digital imperialism, saying “you will not see them until they destroy you.”

He mentioned some of the problems associated with digital imperialism to include tracking of computers by unscrupulous persons, turning of the world to a cashless economy, accessing of secret information about peoples, internal organs to mention but few.

Prof.Falola said “ AI will continue, we cannot stop it”. Parents should be advised to pay more attention to their children, by monitoring how they use their cellphones to prevent them from being addicted to pornography and other social vices, that could have negative effect on their lives.”

While underscoring importance of digital technology to humanity, the don said, “there is nothing wrong in combining human intelligence with machine intelligence”,but how we deal with it is an ethical issues.

The renowned scholar, therefore advised university teachers to adapt with the situation by changing their pedagogy stating that “if we don’t change, we are going to be in trouble”.

He stressed the need for teachers at all levels of education, to cultivate friendship with their students, stating that the best thing to do, is to see students as partners, because the age of “authoritarianism is over”.

Prof. Falola also emphasised the importance of acquisition knowledge of Information Computer Technology (ICT) by teachers, stating that the need to do so is important, because knowledge is “now being acquired in multiple ways”.

The University teacher ,who expressed happiness over the elevation of Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education,urged the management of AFUED, to promote creativity and innovation, by identifying students, who have talents, which could be harnessed for the advancement of the institution,

He also advised the University Management to connect with Ondo community, by tapping into the available resources in therein in areas which include production of locally fabricated clothing materials, foods and leather works among others, stating that the move would help advance ancestral intelligence in the community.