Dr. Violet Makuku, Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association (GQAA), has urged African universities to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) or risk falling behind in global education. Speaking at a three-day symposium on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, held at the Miklin Hotel in Accra, she emphasized that AI is no longer a future concept but a present necessity.
She highlighted how AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly have revolutionized work efficiency, reducing task completion time from hours to minutes. Dr. Makuku warned that institutions resisting AI adoption would become obsolete in the fast-changing education landscape.
The event, organized for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Nigeria, brought together key stakeholders, including ABU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala. Participants received training in leadership, blended learning, research, and innovation.
Dr. Makuku also stressed the need for policy reforms and financial investment to integrate AI into education, urging institutional leaders to push for national policies that support AI adoption. Prof. Bala added that collaborations and exchange programs, like those between ABU, the University of Ghana, and KNUST, would further enhance educational standards.
GQAA’s Brand and Marketing Manager, Tavonga Turikai Munodawafa, noted that the association is committed to improving quality standards in various sectors, including education, through symposia and outreach programs.
