Stop converting polytechnics, colleges of education to universities, Don urges govt

Prof. Samson Arekete of Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun, has urged the Federal Government to stop converting polytechnics and colleges of education to universities.

Arekete, a professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Natural Sciences, made the remarks while delivering the 17th inaugural lecture of the university, on Thursday, in Ede.

Freedomonline  reports that the lecture has as its theme: ” Human-Computer Partnership: A Cure Or A Curse”.

Arekete noted that the two tiers of education were playing significant roles in the system.

According to him, there would be distortions if the practice continues.

“If they want to establish universities, let them start new ones and fund them well.

“For now, I strongly feel that we have enough universities already in the country,” he said.

On how Human-Computer Partnership could be a cure rather than a curse, Arekete said that there should be an establishment of frameworks to ensure responsible use of technology.

The don recommended that a transparent, unbiased, and explainable artificial system should be developed.

Arekete however, said that over reliance on computers may diminish critical thinking and problem solving skills.

He also said that automation and AI could replace human labour in various sectors, leading to unemployment and economic disruption.

Arekete, however, said that Human-Computer Partnership was a blessing to humans due to its enhanced problem-solving and better decision making, among others.

“Human-Computer Partnership is a powerful tool that can lead to significant advancement when harnessed responsibly.

“While it has the potential to act as a cure for many societal problem and industrial challenges, it can also become a curse if poorly managed, exacerbating inequality, job displacement, and ethical concerns,” he said.

Arekete also urged government to stop importing “everything computing” but should fund research, innovation in all tertiary institutions.

“Stop making Nigeria dumping ground for every computer product”, he said.

Arekete also appealed to government to solve epileptic power supply in the country, which he said, was one of the debilitating factors against research and innovation in the country.