UNILAG don urges formulation of AI policy

A Professor of Labour Economics at the University of Lagos, Olukemi Lawanson, has called on the Federal Government to formulate and implement a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy for the education sector.

According to Lawanson, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global knowledge economy if the government fails to explore AI’s advantages.

The don also stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to establish AI research grants, skills development programmes, and incentives to encourage tertiary institutions to embrace AI-driven learning.

She stated this in her inaugural lecture titled “To Everything There Is a Season… The Perspectives of a Labour Economist”, delivered at UNILAG on Wednesday.

The don, who raised the alarm that 85 million jobs globally would be overtaken by AI by 2025, warned that Nigeria must take proactive steps to equip its workforce with relevant digital and AI-driven skills to remain competitive.

She emphasised that failure to integrate AI into the education system and labour market could lead to widespread job losses, economic stagnation, and increased unemployment.

Lawanson urged the government, tertiary institutions, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in developing AI-driven policies that would help Nigerians transition into new, technology-driven roles rather than being displaced by automation.

She said, “The Federal Government must establish an AI policy for education, provide AI research grants, and promote AI skills development. The government also needs to provide incentives to encourage tertiary institutions. Some of the incentives include AI literacy and training, recognition and awards, and funding for AI-enabled education initiatives.”

“Tertiary institutions can encourage the adoption of AI by implementing strategies such as acknowledging and embracing AI’s potential, establishing transparent AI policies, and providing training for staff.

“The labour market can embrace AI by adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-driven technological advancement.”

She also urged the National Universities Commission to overhaul outdated courses in tertiary institutions and “ensure that only relevant courses that align with today’s labour market needs are taught.”