As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education, business and everyday life, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has urged Nigerians to embrace the technology responsibly, saying it should complement human intelligence rather than replace it.
Adebowale made the call during the second annual symposium of the university’s Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, themed “Harnessing AI for Business Survival and Expansion in the Knowledge Economy.”
He described artificial intelligence as a transformative technology capable of improving productivity, driving innovation and accelerating national development.
The vice-chancellor, however, stressed that the deployment of AI must be guided by ethical principles, appropriate regulations and human oversight.
According to him, Nigeria also needs a comprehensive national policy on artificial intelligence and data sovereignty to maximise the benefits of the technology while protecting the public interest.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Dr Samuel Orekoya, said artificial intelligence has become the driving force of the emerging knowledge economy.
He urged businesses to move beyond discussing AI and begin applying it to solve real-world business challenges.
According to Orekoya, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality that is transforming business operations through greater efficiency, innovation and competitiveness.
“The business landscape is no longer merely competitive; it has become transformative. The knowledge economy is here, and at its heart is artificial intelligence. Our objective is not simply to discuss AI but to understand how it can be harnessed to help businesses survive, expand and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment,” he said.
He explained that the symposium was organised to bridge the gap between academia and industry by exposing participants to practical AI applications that can improve customer experience, strengthen supply chains and transform business models.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Prof. Abiodun Folawewo, said AI is increasingly reshaping business operations, research and higher education.
“Technology is changing everything in the world. Even within academia, we are witnessing the growing influence of artificial intelligence. It is, therefore, important that we understand both its opportunities and implications,” he said.
Delivering the first keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of BeamX Solutions Ltd., Obinna Nweke, said artificial intelligence can improve organisational decision-making by enabling businesses to analyse data more efficiently and make informed strategic decisions.
He encouraged organisations to invest in AI-powered solutions to improve productivity, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Cynergy Solutions Ltd., Dr Oladipupo Sennaike, cautioned organisations against adopting AI without clear governance structures and ethical safeguards.
“We have to be ethical about AI. It enhances decision-making, saves time, improves productivity and creates new business models. Organisations must develop AI policies and strategies because they do not simply adopt AI without a roadmap,” he said.
Describing data as “the new oil,” Sennaike noted that organisations that use data responsibly and respond quickly to changing consumer expectations will enjoy a competitive advantage.
Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, the Director of Local Government Affairs, Olanike Akanji, pledged the ministry’s support for collaborations that promote innovation and knowledge-driven development at the grassroots.
During a panel session, industry leaders also encouraged entrepreneurs, professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace AI as a strategic business tool while investing in continuous skills development, innovation and strong brand positioning.
The symposium also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished scholars in recognition of their contributions to scholarship and national development.
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