UNILAG Lecturer Urges Universities to Incorporate AI-Compliant Courses

By Habeeba Yomi-Sikiru and Adebisi Bolarinwa

A professor in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Olukemi Iyabode Lawanson, has called for the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-related courses in university curricula to better prepare students for the evolving job market.

She stated this during the 7th Inaugural Lecture of the 2024/2025 academic session, held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG.

Delivering a lecture titled “To Everything, There’s a Season…: The Perspective of a Labour Economist,” Professor Lawanson emphasized the need for the labour market to embrace AI, as it has become an integral part of the modern workforce. She highlighted the importance of technical and workplace AI skills in equipping students for the increasing demand for AI-driven roles.

Speaking on the types of courses universities should offer, she said, “In the age of AI, universities should consider offering a diverse range of courses that cater for both technical and ethical considerations. By doing so, institutions can better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.”

Professor Lawanson also outlined the necessity for the working population to adapt to AI advancements, stressing that the future of work is rapidly evolving. Citing projections for 2025, she revealed that AI is expected to create 97 million new jobs while displacing approximately 85 million existing roles.

Fielding questions from Unilagsun post-lecture, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adelaja Odukoya reinforced the urgency of AI integration, stating, “This is a time for AI. It’s either we move with time or we get consumed by it. AI is not about to take our jobs, as academics, it’s an opportunity for us to improve on what we are doing; whether as students or as scholars”

Similarly, the Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Maryam Quadri, emphasized the importance of incorporating technology into education. She warned that “failure to do that will lead us backwards and we need to move with the tide.”

The inaugural lecture was attended by  HODs of all the departments under the Faculty of Social Sciences, family members, University Management, Church members, former school classmates, and other notable dignitaries.