The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, has warned scholars to be cautious in their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The VC issued this advice in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Thursday during the 41st National Conference of the Social Studies Educationists Association of Nigeria (SOSAN), noting that while AI has advantages, it also carries disadvantages.
The theme of the conference was “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Social Studies in the 21st Century”.
The VC stated that although AI can revolutionise all sectors of life, caution must be taken because it can also have harmful consequences if misused.
“AI 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 negative effects,” he said.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the VC described the conference theme as timely and appropriate, stressing that AI is a vital tool in teaching and learning in the 21st century.
The VC, who assumed office on August 10 as the 16th substantive head of UNN, acknowledged that social studies educationists have made significant contributions to the nation’s economy, particularly in educational development, and encouraged the association to sustain these efforts.
“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.
The National President of SOSAN, Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf, stated that AI has penetrated all aspects of the economy, particularly education.
“AI not only makes social studies teaching more engaging but also more transformative in shaping our students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and 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 the 21st century,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the VC for agreeing to host the conference and commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Prof. Okechukwu Nwaubani, for their excellent work in organising the event.
In his keynote address, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, Dean of the Department of Student Affairs at UNN, emphasised that if used wisely, AI could transform teaching, learning, and every facet of life.
“AI is reshaping every sector, from medicine to manufacturing and 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 AI not just for innovation but for transformation, equity, justice and more informed and responsible citizenry,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Nwaubani remarked that the association’s vision is to build and maintain a strong, stable, and vibrant 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.
