ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE— Professor Afolashade Kuyoro, a Professor of Computer Technology at Babcock University, has resolved the prevalent stress and anxiety regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employment, asserting that the innovation is a partner in progress instead of a replacement for human labour.
Providing the university’s 60th inaugural lecture, entitled “From Data to Imagination: The Next Frontier of Intelligent Systems,” Kuyoro argued that the real potential of AI lies in its ability to enhance human imagination.
The lecture, held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, traced the rapid transition of AI from easy predictive algorithms to sophisticated generative designs that now interface with human imagination.
From Forecast to Imagination
Professor Kuyoro highlighted an essential shift in the AI landscape. While traditional systems were confined to categorizing and anticipating based on existing data, the next frontier includes generative intelligence capable of simulation and innovation.
She noted that creativity, once thought about a distinctively human characteristic, is now the main motorist of intelligent systems.
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“Intelligence is no longer driven by data alone, however likewise by creativity,” Kuyoro specified. Nevertheless, she was quick to warn that while makers can duplicate elements of imagination, they lack the intrinsic ethical assistance and lived experience inherent to people.
The Eight-Point Agenda for Babcock University
To make sure the organization remains at the forefront of this digital transformation, Teacher Kuyoro proposed a comprehensive roadmap for Babcock University. This method focuses on structure facilities that deals with the campus as a technological community.
The Roadmap to Imaginative Intelligence:
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Centre for Imaginative Intelligence: Developing a dedicated hub for advanced AI research study.
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AI Literacy Programmes: Integrating AI training across all disciplines to make sure “future-proof” graduates.
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Research Partnership: Enhancing ties with worldwide tech partners.
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Ethical Framework: Establishing institutional guidelines for openness and responsibility.
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Smart School Effort: Deploying AI for predictive maintenance and school security.
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Learning Analytics: Using information to personalise and improve student learning results.
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Energy Optimisation: Executing AI-driven tools to improve campus sustainability.
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Digital Truth Preservation: Creating systems to validate content and fight misinformation.
A significant emphasize of the lecture was the proposal for a Smart Campus. Kuyoro envisioned Babcock University as a “living lab” where trainees and faculty communicate with AI in real-time.
This consists of predictive systems for infrastructure and intelligent security procedures designed to develop a smooth academic environment.
A Require Ethical Innovation
Resolving the ethical “black box” of AI, the Professor required a global framework anchored in fairness and safety.
She worried that responsibility in authorship and the preservation of “digital truth” are vital as AI-generated content ends up being more common.
In her concluding remarks, Professor Kuyoro advised her audience that imagination stays humankind’s most valuable possession.
She prompted Nigerians to move beyond the fear of task loss and to focus rather on getting the abilities required to offer ethical oversight of smart systems.
“Creativity will remain the most vital skill forming the future of civilisation and governance,” she concluded.
The lecture was met a standing ovation, reflecting the growing value of AI discourse in Nigeria’s scholastic and expert circles.