By Waziri Isa Adam (Group Editor-in-chief)
The Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje,. has urged Nigerian academics to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) rather than viewing it as a threat.
“People should not be worried about AI. It is a very important tool. Use it to do your assignments. Use AI to get ideas. Then modify it before submitting.” He emphasized that AI will control everything in the next 5 years and Muslims should not be left behind.
Prof Bugaje stressed the need for Muslims to be drivers of change for the better, citing examples of Muslim-majority nations like Uganda. He urged the audience to acquire skills necessary for successful leadership.
“We should not accept the status quo. My generation has failed to trigger change. We should not just accept what is presented to us without inquests,” he said.
Prof Bugaje further emphasized the importance of mentoring, evaluation of skill gaps, continuous learning and growth, following the model of the Prophet and alignment with fixed goals in discharge of leadership responsibilities.
The event, presided over by Dr Muhammad Sani Ladan, featured a distinguished audience, including the MSSN National Ameer and Secretary, zonal and area unit representatives, and other notable figures.
As Nigerian academics move forward in this era of technological advancement, Prof Bugaje’s call to action serves as a timely reminder to harness the power of AI and other emerging technologies to drive academic excellence and national development.