Embrace Artificial Intelligence, Delta Government charges Tertiary Institutions

The Delta State Government, has urged tertiary institutions across the state to embrace Artificial Intelligence, AI and emerging technologies to improve teaching, learning, research and administration. 

300 level student of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, Efe Tejiri Joana, who is on three-month internship with Fresh Angle International, reports that the call was made during the 3rd Delta State Higher Education Summit, held Thursday September 17, at Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus.

The summit, with the theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Technology in Tertiary Institutions’, brought together distinguished personalities and stakeholders in the education sector.

Speaking on “Repositioning Tertiary Institutions for National Development and Institutional Responsibilities,” Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, described the summit as a strategic response to the rapid technological changes taking place across the world.

He said Delta State was prepared to embrace technological advancement, without compromising its responsibilities, stressing the need to produce graduates who would have the capacity to leverage technology and not merely be aware of it.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, commended the Commissioner for Higher Education for sustaining the summit.

He noted that Artificial Intelligence was already changing the way people learn and conduct research, urging tertiary institutions to remain innovative and responsive to the needs of society.

According to him, “AI and technology should strengthen human intelligence, not replace it.”

He assured participants that Delta State would not be left behind in technological development, noting that the people remained one of the state’s greatest investments.

He further encouraged students not to fear technology, but to master it and prepare themselves not only to compete for opportunities, but to contribute to shaping the future of technology.

Professor Emeritus, Peter Akinsola Okebukola, in his speech, commended the Delta State Government for its commitment to the progress of its people.

He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should not become a shortcut to learning, but should serve as aid and an explanatory tool for students and educators.

Professor Okebukola, recommended the establishment of innovation centre by the state government, for capacity building and the need to introduce mandatory AI training for staff and students.

While applauding Delta State for organizing the summit, Professor Okebukola, described the conference as a significant step towards preparing the state’s tertiary institutions for technological advancement.

Similarly, Professor Tsetimi Jonathan, highlighted AI readiness and implementation strategies for Delta State’s higher education sector.

He identified innovation, infrastructure, human capital, curriculum and governance as major pillars of AI and technology adoption.

Professor Tsetimi Jonathan, explained that AI was no longer a futuristic concept, but an immediate operational reality in global higher education.

He called for a paradigm shift among educators, universal AI literacy and youth talent development, to accelerate the integration of AI into education.

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo, also cautioned stakeholders on the need to balance technological advancement with human intelligence.

He noted that everything in life has positive and negative sides, stressing that “the easiest way of destroying education is to destroy the educational system.”

He urged stakeholders to ensure that the advancement of Artificial Intelligence does not undermine human intelligence and the fundamental purpose of education.

The summit ended with an assurance that Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies would be responsibly adopted and effectively integrated into Delta State’s tertiary institutions, to enhance teaching, learning, research and administration, preserving the importance of human intelligence.

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