By Hilary Akalugwu

Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has advised scholars to exercise caution in their application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Ortuanya said in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Thursday, at the 41st National Conference of Social Studies Educationists Association of Nigeria (SOSAN) that AI, though has merits, also has demerits.

The theme of the conference is: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Social Studies in 21st Century.”

He said that in as much as AI had the potential to revolutionise all sectors of life, caution should be exercised because it has its own adverse effects when negatively applied.

“Al tools have the capacity to revolutionise every sector of the economy especially education but we should be careful in using AI as it also has its own negative effects,” he said.

The V-C, who was represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, described the topic of the conference as timely and apt as AI remains an essential tool in teaching and learning in the 21st century.

Ortuanya, who assumed office on August 10 as the 16th substantive VC of UNN, said social studies educationists have contributed immensely to the country’s economy especially in education development and urged the association to keep it up.

“There is no doubt the outcome of this conference will go a long way in taking social studies education to a greater height,” he said.

Speaking, Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf, the National President, SOSAN, said AI had permeated in every facets of the economy especially in education.

“AI not only makes social studies teaching more engaging but more transformative in shaping our students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, responsible citizens in the ever increasing digital world.

“The outcome of this conference will help to empower our educators and prepare our students for the challenges of 21st century,” he said.

He appreciated the V-C for accepting to host the conference, adding that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by Prof. Okechukwu Nwaubani did a great job in organising the event.

In a keynote, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, Dean, Department of Students Affairs, UNN, said AI, if wisely applied, could transform teaching, learning and all ramifications of life.

“AI is reshaping every sector from medicine to manufacturing; from finance to agriculture. It is reshaping education in profound ways.

“AI is not here to replace us but to amplify our potential if we are prepared.

“We should leverage on AI not just for innovation but for transformation, equity, justice and for more informed and responsible citizenry,” he said.

Earlier in a remark, Nwaubani, said the vision of the association was to build and sustain a virile strong and stable Nigeria through the teaching and learning of social studies in schools.

“SOSAN is strongly committed to promoting the visibility and relevance of social studies education in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

“These ideals resonate with the theme of this conference which says “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for the Transformative Social Studies Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century.”

“The topic is apt, insightful and inspiring because of its relevance to the promotion of ICT in teaching social studies,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne