Experts urge caution in AI adoption to preserve African cultural heritage

Education experts at a NOUN-COL workshop in Nigeria urged West African institutions to adopt AI carefully to preserve cultural identity. The two-day event, organized by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), brought together academics and policymakers from six West African countries.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, warned against simply copying foreign models: "AI presents exciting possibilities for education, yet it must be used with great care. African institutions must lead with their values, not merely adopt foreign models." He stressed that African knowledge systems, histories, and cultural perspectives must be reflected in AI tools and policies.

Prof. Dorothy Ofoha of RETRIDOL and Prof. Jane-Frances Agbu of COL both emphasized protecting unique African values. Agbu added: "African languages and knowledge systems must stay central in this evolution." The workshop aimed to create frameworks for AI-enhanced Open Educational Resources grounded in African contexts.

The discussion highlights a critical tension: As AI tools reshape education globally, how can West African countries ensure these technologies serve local learners without eroding cultural identity? What frameworks should Nigeria create to balance AI innovation with cultural preservation in your own community's schools?

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/education/experts-urge-caution-in-ai-adoption-to-preserve-cultural-heritage/