Nigerian Visiting Scholar To Kenya, Dr. Ayodele Alonge Advocates Ethical, Cultural AI Integration
•By Oyebukola Odunayo
IBADAN – Convener of the International Conference on Sustainable Knowledge Systems, held at Karatina University, Kenya, Dr. Ayodele Alonge has called on Africa to go beyond passive use of Artificial Intelligence but harness it in ways that uplift, empower, and protect the continent.
The conference with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Libraries, and the Future of Sustainable Knowledge in Africa” in collaboration with the University, drew participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, the Netherlands, U.S. and others joining virtually, reflected a strong international commitment to harnessing A.I for the public good.
Dr. Alonge who maintained that Africans must not only use AI as a tool for prompt research work or findings but embed their stories, ethics and aspirations into its usage.
“Africa must not only use AI—we must shape it. We must embed our stories, our ethics, and our aspirations into every line of code,” he declared.
The University of Ibadan lecturer who is a visiting scholar at the Karatina University, Kenya said other key resolutions at the conference were the need to adapt AI tools to African languages and rural contexts, curriculum reforms to include AI, data ethics and governance as well as policy frameworks where governments are advised to regulate AI to align with development goals.
He said “the event sparked critical conversations on ethical AI integration, cultural preservation, and Africa’s digital transformation. It underscored the urgency of balancing innovation with equity in shaping the continent’s knowledge ecosystems.”
Earlier in a keynote address, Professor Marlene Holmner challenged attendees, noting that AI usage should only enhance access but ethical frameworks must be upheld at all times.
Professor Holmner said in a data-driven world, knowledge should serve humanity not the other way around.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Karatina University, Professor Linus Gitonga, the deputy vice chancellor for academic, research and student affairs, Professor Franklin Wabwoba said the institution was committed to bridging academic excellence with technological advancement to support Africa’s sustainable future.
He said “We are honoured to host a dialogue of this magnitude.”
Other key speakers included Professor Kellen Kiambati from Karatina University; Marco van Hout, Digital Society School, Netherlands; Dr. Carolyne Musembe, Technical University of Kenya; John Mwazemba, Oxford University Press; Dr. Sola Owolabi, Bells University, Nigeria; Brenda Betty Kiema, Tangaza University; Professor Marlene from University of Pretoria, South Africa and Damilare Oyedele, Library Aid Africa.