In computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes called machine intelligence, is intelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans.
In the twenty-first century, AI techniques have experienced a resurgence following concurrent advances in computer power, large amounts of data, and theoretical understanding; and AI techniques have become an essential part of the technology industry, helping to solve many challenging problems in computer science, software engineering and operations research.
Understanding the significance of AI, Ethiopia also is striving to utilize the sector. To benefit fully from the sector, knowledge is fundamental. So that incorporating the technology into universities’ curriculum for the moment and into education system of all levels in the long run is the best measure to be taken sooner than later.
Addis Ababa University takes the leading to organize a three-day conference (October 28-30, 2019) entitled “the first Artificial Intelligence in Ethiopia” through its Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Office in collaboration with partners. The aim of the conference is to coordinate and consolidate all Ethiopian researchers, scientists working in the areas of artificial intelligence related to agriculture, health and education among others.
Speaking on the opening session, Addis Ababa University president Professor Tassew Wode Hanna said that Ethiopia has currently been engaged in highly ambitious effort to re-align its higher education system in more direct support of its national strategy for economic growth, poverty reduction and development.
Adding, he said, “My own University being the oldest and the largest in Ethiopia is repositioning itself to be able to enhance its contribution towards the development endeavor in the country. Since the establishment of the university in 1950, it becomes stronger in terms of field of studies and students and staff members.
“We universities, if we aim to be in the forefront, need to adapt to the ever changing world of technology. Technology is engulfing all facets of our life. We have to embrace the future in a systematic and intensive manner so that we could not only be relevant but also compete globally.”
As to the president, their students have already embedded themselves in a digital world and are hyper-connected. As the university leaders, their job is to provide the students the required platform so that they could become technological leaders utilizing it for social good.
The scientific conference of AI is the first of its kind in Ethiopia. The main focus of the event is creating awareness among all stakeholders on the potential of AI based techniques to solve the complex challenges the country faces in different areas, he said.
In addition, the conference aims to bring the dispersed talents and resources so as to coordinate their efforts in national development and to breed innovation. In doing so, as to him, different stakeholders including industries, higher education institutions, researchers and students will benefit from the collaborations that will be established.
Though the university has three computer science units such as school of informatics, computer science and computer engineering which are performing various deeds in the Information Technology sector, none of them is engaged in the AI. In order to benefit the country from the sector’s research outcomes sustainably, its own department must be established. Currently, the university has begun freshman courses entitled “emerging technology” for first and second semesters.
“However,” said the president, “This by itself is not satisfying. Therefore, Artificial Intelligence has to be organized as a unit so that the university is working on this.”
Dr. Mesfin Bibiso, Vice President, Wolayta Sodo University’s Research, Community Service and Technology Transfer for his part said that he is pleased to represent his university the co-organizer of the conference. Adding he said that Wolayta Sodo university exerts its potential to maximize the application of AI in different fields which core role is sharing knowledge, skills and expertise among scholars, scientists and researchers nationally and globally.
According to Zelalem Asefa, Director for Ethiopian Education and Research Network at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the threat that AI blocks job opportunity is not true, rather it creates more jobs but for skilled man power. Therefore, being a qualified person is essential to get acceptance in the AI labor market.
Wolayta Sodo University Dean for School of Informatics and Researcher, Ashenafi Kebede for his part said that his university participates in the conference as a partner, sponsor and presenter of research paper. Regarding the necessity of the technology, Ashenafi said, “Unless our country engaged in AI, it will be out of the competition globally as the era makes it mandatory.”
Though it is the second generation university, WSU has finalized curriculum designing, need assessment study and undergoing input provision to provide courses in AI and Data Science aiming to narrow the gap of trained man power in the sector nationwide. The program will be launched next year in collaboration with partners from in land and out, added Ashenafi.
The Ethiopian Herald November1, 2019
BY BACHA ZEWDIE
