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 rapid 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.
He said the new roles would be in fields such as AI ethics, cybersecurity, and sustainability. However, he noted that many Nigerian universities are failing to prepare students for these emerging careers.
The Deputy Speaker therefore called on Nigerian business leaders to support universities through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs in order for Nigeria to move with the world technologically.
Speaking after receiving his award, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio stated that, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision, his policies are timely and will transform the country.
He acknowledged the current challenges but assured that within the next one to two years, Nigerians would see significant progress.
Earlier in their remarks, 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.
They emphasized that without connecting university activities to real-world challenges, meaningful progress would be hindered.
