The Vice President Jessica Alupo has underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming the education sector worldwide, asking Ugandans institutions not to be left behind.
“The world outside these walls is changing at an unprecedented pace. AI is a powerful tool reshaping industries, economies, and even the way we learn and think. To ignore its potential would be to limit your own potential,” Alupo said.
The Vice President was on Thursday speaking during the 15th graduation ceremony for St. Lawrence University in Kampala.
Alupo told the graduands that AI is now the way to go , adding that it is high time they are acquainted with it.
“Dear graduands, your time here has equipped you with critical thinking skills, problem –solving abilities, and a thirst for knowledge. Think of AI as a power collaborator, a tireless researcher, a personalized tutor, always available to assist in your learning journey.”
She however warned that embracing AI requires a critical and responsible approach to avoid misuse.
“ We must be mindful of its limitations, its potential biases, and the ethical considerations surrounding its development and deployment. Your education has prepared you to navigate complex issues, and this includes the ethical dilemmas presented by the future of AI. You are the generation that will shape the future of AI, ensuring it serves humanity and promotes progress and prosperity of all people.”
“To remain relevant, universities must constantly update their approaches, embrace new technologies and equip students with the flexible skills demanded by the future workforce.”
She hailed St.Lawrence University for remaining resilient through the challenges it has faced I the past years.
“The university has passed out many students and these are spread across the globe making a contribution in the labour market, political arena and society in general. Our products are guided to be God fearing on top of other portable skills.”
The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission(UCC), Nyombi Thembo, who was the guest speaker during the graduation ceremony spoke of the relevance of AI and the need for everyone to embrace it.
“In my interaction with academia,I have been cautioning them ,especially teachers and lecturers that we should come to terms with the reality of the day that the students we teach will be more knowledgeable than us. That is the reality coming because knowledge has now been democratized and artificial intelligence models, learning from the best professors and teachers, they will teach they will teach our students better than the best professor,” Thembo said.
The UCC Executive Director said AI is continuing to revolutionalise societies, industries and economies globally .
He said that UCC is doing all it takes to ensure the country adopts the use of AI at a first pace as other countries globally.
The graduation
At the 15 graduation ceremony, a total of 436 students, including 227 males and 209 females graduated at St. Lawrence University in different disciplines.
The graduands hailed from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burudi, DRC, Nigeria, Somalia and Comoros.